I'm looking to buy a 86 jeep cherokee for $400 but the one thing I'm concerned about is the 4X4 won't engage. I've heard it is probably a vacuum line but does any one have any input on this? This would be my first jeep and first 4X4 and I don't know if I'm getting in over my head.
Thanks for any help.

 

I own a 1991 xj laredo with 170000 miles on it. When i first got mine I ended up stuck in the snow because my four wheel drive wouldnt engage, even tho after a couple minutes the part time indicator would come on. i had some clogged vacuum hoses that disabled the solenoid from moving very far or fast. Heres the scary part. the fork was moving far enough to turn on the sensor but not far enough to engage fwd. There is very little material that fwd actually engages on. Now just to get fwd working, you can fix the vacuum problem, but rusty's offroad also offers a cable that allows you to manually lock hubs from inside your xj, and you get much more contact from the gear itself. this is the website http://rustysoffroad.com/mm5/merchan...y_Code=4x4POSI

 

I would look for a 87+ XJ, as most have 4.0L's VS. the POS 2.8L

 

You can also install a a cable to engage the four wheel drive. Kits cost upwards around $300. I built one in my garage with parts from the hardware store for $50 worked like a champ. I agree get one with 4.0l but if not get a jeep you will love it. Once you get startted you wont stop with just a linkage it will grow to lift, tires axles ect.
Back to the linkage get a lawn mower throtle cable 6', medium duty spring 1/4" by 2" and now you have your parts. Pull the selector fork off the axle housing disconect. Drill a hole big enough for the cable to feed into and put on cable clamp both side of fork. Reinstall with a little black rvt run cable to you mount location of you chosing now you can engage your four wheel drive and know its engaged.

 

Metmknice has a pretty good point. Also anything older than an 87 has to be modified when you're putting on a lift

 

what exactly needs to be modified??

 

It doesn't matter what year you have. Once you do a lift over 4 inches you're going to have to modify things like drive shafts or transfer case. Brake lines ECT ECT ECT..

 

The 400 dollar 86 XJ will cost you more just to keep it on the road than spending more for a reliable 87+ XJ. Don't waste your time on a 2.8.

 

Yes, what? My 86 is lifted and has less than zero problems with it.

 

This is nothing new. You have to do that with most any lift.