Ok I have a 2000 xj and recently am having trouble shifting into 4 wheel. It does not happen all the time but has become more common. It is always one of two scenarios. 1: I come to a stop and shift into neutral. Then when I shift into 4h it makes a grinding noise. 2: I come to a complete stop and shift into neutral. It will shift into 4h fine then make a grinding noise when I shift back into reverse or drive. Since the first time it did it it has worked properly but has malfunctioned increasingly more. Anyone have any ideas or advice please help.

 

It sounds like you need to adjust the shift linkage, it's not going all the way into gear. The next time you put it in 4x4 and it makes a grinding sound push the lever for the 4x4 up or down to whatever you want it in (while in drive). That will let you know for sure if it's out of adjustment.

 

Sounds like you need to start shifting it like the factory intended you do:

Here's how the factory suggests you shift the transfer case and I've been doing this since these things were new and I worked at the dealership. Quoted from the owner's manual.

"To engage, shift the transfer case lever from 2H to 4H while the vehicle is moving at any legal speed". I let off the gas, throw the lever, and then tap the gas and let off.

4L position: " To engage, slow the vehicle to 2-3 MPH , shift the transmission to Neutral, then shift the transfer lever to the right and pull firmly rearward to 4L".

 

my 87 says this on my sun visor^ might post a photo

 

I still don't think I would throw it into 4x4 on a roll, I see why they want you to but shouldn't need to.

 

Yes you need to. It was designed to operate that way. They called it "shift on the fly". Do as you wish. Heaven forbid you should listen to a guy who was a Service Manager at a dealership from 1980 through 1992.......and puts the quote from the Owners Manual here for all to read.

 

correction is dosn't say that exactly

 

Then i must be wrong for the 13-15 times this past snow storm i shifted in and out of 4wd as i drove from plowed roads to unplowed roads and slushy roads. God dammit. Wonder why my jeep still works though

 

How about this? We must all be out of our frickin' minds!!

I'm thinking we need some newbs around here to show us how this stuff is done!!!

 

I guess the engineers were drunk one day, when they made shift on the fly. Its not us that are crazy, its Chrysler dammit!!!!!!

 

We're like lambs to the slaughter. We're reading instruction manuals, using practical engineering to shift our Jeeps, instructing numerous customers over the years how to shift..We're doomed!!! Newbs, please help us get away from these evil thoughts and deeds!!!!!!

 

Dooooooooomed!

 

But in all seriousness.. LISTEN to what some of these guys say man.. they know more than you me or me will ever know about jeeps especially Cruiser54! he helped me in so many ways !

 

Have you ever open a 231 case? It may be designed to do it but not something I would do. The old 231 only has 3 planetary gears, not strong at all. That said did the factory put oversized tires, lower gear ratios, and the extra weight from lift, bumpers, and everything else? I can are where a factory jeep would be great to do this, you act like I said that's a bad thing and jeep is stupid for it. I might be new to a forum but not to jeep/ off-road. So think about that when you shift on the fly and need to replace the chain.

 

Peeing on the fire in a headwind...