XJ Four wheel engagment problem

[jmazz]

Hello all, i am still amazed there are so many of you with common interests but not only that , you all are so willing to help each other! hard to come by these days.
If anyone can offer a solution i would be very grateful

project- 1990 xj, 235,000 mi, full leaf pack 3 inch lift not including 3.75" shackles and coil spacers, t-case lowering kit (aluminum spacer and bolts), automatic, Np231, 4.0L

The problem occured while driving around in our last big snowstorm, i would hear a thumping noise and then i would be in two wheel drive, even though the lever had not moved from four, and then it would lock back to four wheel, not good while trying to climb roads in two wheel. Basically i was popping in and out of fourwheel...... any ideas??

 

[DonnyG]

Did you install a transfercase shift lever drop kit?  I know it's included in the Skyjacker kit.  I'll try to post a pic.  I'm looking for it anyway for another issue.  That was the problem I had with my '00 XJ with a 4.5" kit.  That should rectify the problem.  I occasionaly pop out of 4L when drivetrain is not under load.  I also have some T-case issues, but that's irrelavent right now.  I'd try the lever drop kit.

DonnyG

 

[jmazz]

Thanks, i have never heard of that solution.... and i am interested, where would i be able to get one of these levers?.... the other question is why would it start happening after no problems, then all of a sudden problems.
my research also suspects a failing actuator or vacuum,
Failing transfercase?- but if that were true would two wheel drive still work?
any insight into this would be appreciated

 

[DonnyG]

Not really a t-case issue.  I'm talking about the linkage.  It is connected to the t-case then connects to the body.  When you lift it, it changes from a horizontal line (9--3 on a clock) to an angle (10--4 on a clock)  It may have even popped out.  I've seen it before.  Still working on the picture.  Only takes about 5 min to install.  Keep checking back.

 

[massxj]

donny this may be the frist time but........................i think your right.  but here you go anyway :mad02: :mad02:

 

[jmazz]

excellent case in point donny, i will look into it first thing tomorrow evening when i get home from work...... and ill go from there

 

[DonnyG]

see photo#1.  This is for the Skyjacker kit pn# TCL31

I'm gonna talk to Detour about making a few of these.  Seems quite a few members would benefit from them.


http://www.skyjacker.com/image/search/pdf/TCL31.pdf





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[HookSetSteve]

The problem with mine was a pen

 

[RobTJ]

I actually took mine off when installed my t-case drop.  The linkage kept getting hung up on that top right bolt.

 

[Erik S.]

OK, I was gonna ask a lot of questions but seems I don't need to.

Looks as if, lowering the transfer case is what cause the situation, not the lift.  I'm a CJ and XJ guy, and adding a lift didn't make sense.

Now when Donny mentioned that the linkage is connected to the body, and a T-case drop was added, that's where some binding could happen.


Has the vacuum lines on the front axle been checked.  I don't believe that they would cause an engagement/disengagement problem.  But should be checked nonetheless.

 

[jmazz]

It does have a vacuum actuator, but i crawled under today and realized that the linkage was indeed crooked, so i fabbed a bracket and have yet to mount it. Ill let you know the results with this snow we might get, driving around on slick roads makes the problem very apparent at higher than trail speeds........ also these brackets are hard to find, I am hoping mine works, but someone should definetly make more and charge like $10-$15, worth the results.        thanks guys

 

[DonnyG]

The problem with mine was a pen

I remember that!!!  I was your hero for the day!!!


Hooray, Meeee!!!

 

[kakirubi]

Is that linkage above the transfer case or just under the shift lever?

Is this something i need to check.  I just lowered my T-case 1 inch.  It seemed to shift ok after dropping it.  Is there a quick test to see if I'll have trouble?  Can't really drive it yet, no shocks. :sad:

 

[DonnyG]

Typically it will feel like it's binding going into 4L.  yeah, it's under the shifter.