884x4

That's my problem, I know even with the fst linkage people had troubles with the 242.
That's why I'm trying to stay away from that route and go cable

NewKindOfClown

My favorite tire I've ever run was the Firestone Destination M/T. It's only made up to a 33" for 15" wheels. My other recommendation would be BFG KM2s. They're very popular for a reason.

I suggest avoiding BFG AT and Goodyear Duratrac tires. Both are known for having thin sidewalls that slice easily on rocks. That said, the Duratrac is the best snow tire I've used. I also feel the BFG AT is a bad tire choice for vehicles as light as Jeeps. My dad's Avalanche does wonders with them, but I've experienced serious traction problems on those tires in Jeeps.

Also noteworthy is the new BFG AT KO2. It's a redesign of the BFG AT that I don't like. It's supposed to address the older tire's shortcoming with a modified tread, new compound, and thicker sidewalls. Nobody I've talked to has any experience with them yet because of the price.

I really like my Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ tires on my Wrangler, but I haven't driven with them in snow

SteveMongr

Have you tried re-adjusting the shift linkage a small amount so that it favors 4-Low?

884x4

I have not...details? I'd rather not spend the 170$ on the dbo kit if I can save it to go towards steel for my rocker replacement lol
I hardly touch 4hi anyways

SteveMongr

I believe that cable is from Novak Adapters.
Here is a vid showing the trunnion adjustment;


And here is written directions, why it says to raise vehicle I am not sure, I didn`t.

Straight from the FSM:

SHIFT LINKAGE ADJUSTMENT
(1) Shift transfer case into 4L position. (make sure your shifter is fully in the 4L position)
(2) Raise vehicle.
(3) Loosen lock bolt on adjusting trunnion (Fig.
87).
(4) Be sure linkage rod slides freely in trunnion.
Clean rod and apply spray lube if necessary.
(5) Verify that transfer case range lever is fully
engaged in 4L position. (you can do this under the vehicle at the transfer case)
(6) Tighten adjusting trunnion lock bolt.
(7) Lower vehicle

884x4

Maybe cause they don't come with huge tires and a lift lol
Thanks though, Steve! I'll be sure to try this

cruiser54

salad

Yeah... cable is really meant for the guys with distinct bodies and frames when they do a body lift, or change their driveline lengths, or install a doubler. Unnecessary in an XJ IMO.

I remember PocketsEmpty hacked up his own 242 linkage and is happy with it. Can't remember if it is a modified FST or a Tractor Supply special. Give him a PM or check out his build thread.

Doesn't exist.

That said, Duratrac lol

884x4

Little bit late to the party (Steve posted the same video) but thanks anyways lol

That's the same thing I was thinking I just haven't heard of anyone successfully making a simple linkage that works well with the 242. I'll check out pocketsempty's though.
Thanks

89xjrocker

I can vouch for big ats having traction issues on light vehicle les

89xjrocker

No idea how the pic ended up within the quote...

salad

Phone app does weird things

cruiser54

But, have you tried it yet?

SteveMongr

The problem is, the `throw`of the tab on tranfer case lever and its indents, have a different rate than the shift lever in cab. Getting the two to match by a direct connection is what is difficult.
Maybe what would work is an something like an axle disconnect cable, that does not use the in-cab lever. The indents of the transfer case would be easily felt through the cable. But cables pull better than push, so that would be a problem.

884x4, how are your motor mounts? You mention the problem is when you point your rig uphill. If the motor/transmission mounts allow the engine/tranny to shift backward a bit, the TC can pop out of 4-Low.

cruiser54

Correct. Engine and trans mount, and fastener condition/presence verified, then adjust.