My 98 XJ Limited has literally never been in 4WD. I'm the second owner and knew the first owner of it since they bought from the dealer. It was used as a DD for the 20 mile round trip to work and back. I changed the tcase fluid and I was wondering if there's anything else I should check before it's maiden 4x4 voyage. The linkage all looks good as well.

98 Limited AW4 242

 

I can't say for sure, but when I just bought mine, it felt like it hadn't been used in years. I just started using the transfer case and it's freed up quite a bit and feels like I think it should. Will get the fluid changed when I do the SYE.

 

Put it in 4wd a couple times before the big trip. When it's not used often it tends to stiffen up and can be hard to shift into 4lo. Big thing is to make sure you put it in neutral and are on a fairly flat surface when going into 4wd. Don't force it engage. If it's not wanting to go in, move the Jeep a little and let everything line up.