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4wd lever not holding

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Old 01-07-2022, 12:29 PM
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Default 4wd lever not holding

I have already tried adjusting the transfer case linkage but still can't keep it on 4L or 4H for long, it will disconnect after a few seconds.
See video attached.

https://1drv.ms/v/s!AmkhgJ1mnkX3iy0LfJonrnt8n8H5

Thanks.


Last edited by Rikrdolevy; 01-07-2022 at 12:36 PM.
Old 01-07-2022, 01:06 PM
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There are some little nylon boots that go on the shift forks. You may have to replace them. They can wear out over time. That is the only thing I can think of since you have already tried adjustments. But just to verify, get underneath and disconnect the shift linkage and put in 4WD by hand and see what happens
Old 01-07-2022, 09:06 PM
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Does it actually pop out while driving or is the shifter just a little loose? My light goes on and off sometimes as well but it's just a loose connection inside the switch.
Old 01-07-2022, 09:10 PM
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Originally Posted by 00t444e
Does it actually pop out while driving or is the shifter just a little loose? My light goes on and off sometimes as well but it's just a loose connection inside the switch.
It actually pops out if I don't hold it.
Old 01-08-2022, 02:38 AM
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How exactly did you adjust it?
Old 01-08-2022, 07:23 AM
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Bad engine and/or trans mounts can cause that.
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Old 01-08-2022, 07:37 AM
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Originally Posted by TrailerTrash
How exactly did you adjust it?
So i loosened the 1/2 inch then put it in 4L manually then pulled the lever to 4L and tightened the 1/2 inche. Is it ok?
Old 01-11-2022, 02:14 AM
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hi

242,000 miles on the 97 XJ Country SYE, 5.5" RE coils, RC control arm drop kit, RE track bar, 3" TM leafs, RC shackle boxes, extended shackles, rear disc brakes, 2x6 rockers, 10k winch, 15x8 pro comps, 35x12.50x15 MXTs, 4.0, aw4, dana 30 front, 8.25 rear, 4.56 gears, Spartan lockers, np231 tcase turkish citizenship

Last edited by donalexinder24; 01-12-2022 at 01:31 AM.
Old 01-11-2022, 08:07 AM
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Originally Posted by donalexinder24
hi

242,000 miles on the 97 XJ Country SYE, 5.5" RE coils, RC control arm drop kit, RE track bar, 3" TM leafs, RC shackle boxes, extended shackles, rear disc brakes, 2x6 rockers, 10k winch, 15x8 pro comps, 35x12.50x15 MXTs, 4.0, aw4, dana 30 front, 8.25 rear, 4.56 gears, Spartan lockers, np231 tcase
good for you

Old 01-11-2022, 10:20 AM
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Originally Posted by Rikrdolevy
So i loosened the 1/2 inch then put it in 4L manually then pulled the lever to 4L and tightened the 1/2 inche. Is it ok?
Sounds right. This is out of my 97 FSM.

1. Shift transfer case to 4L.
2. Raise vehicle.
3. Loosen lock bolt on adjusting trunnion.
4. Be sure linkage rod slides freely in trunnion. Clean rod and apply spray lube if necessary.
5. Verify that transfer case lever is fully engaged in 4L.
6. Lower vehicle.
Old 01-11-2022, 10:28 AM
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Originally Posted by Rikrdolevy
So i loosened the 1/2 inch then put it in 4L manually then pulled the lever to 4L and tightened the 1/2 inche. Is it ok?
I think you have to start with it in 4low. Then loosen the adjuster, then hold the lever all the way in 4low as you tighten the adjuster. It was a 2 person job when I did it. It has been awhile so I could be wrong.

Get someone to shift the lever as you watch it from underneath. There are rods and bushings that can be damaged or out of wack

Originally Posted by donalexinder24
hi

242,000 miles on the 97 XJ Country SYE, 5.5" RE coils, RC control arm drop kit, RE track bar, 3" TM leafs, RC shackle boxes, extended shackles, rear disc brakes, 2x6 rockers, 10k winch, 15x8 pro comps, 35x12.50x15 MXTs, 4.0, aw4, dana 30 front, 8.25 rear, 4.56 gears, Spartan lockers, np231 tcase
wrong thread.
Old 01-11-2022, 10:58 AM
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If the shifter wont stay put and there is no one around to help, use a bungee cord to hold it in position while you make your adjustments. Hook the other end to the seat track from behind. Whatever works.
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doublechaz (01-11-2022)
Old 01-11-2022, 03:10 PM
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Buy aftermarket linkage and call it a day. It makes shifting so much nicer!

https://www.azzysdesignworks.com/shop/p/xj-linkage
Old 01-11-2022, 08:24 PM
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Originally Posted by 5-Speed
Buy aftermarket linkage and call it a day. It makes shifting so much nicer!

https://www.azzysdesignworks.com/shop/p/xj-linkage
On sale for $43. https://www.boostwerksengineering.co...-V20_p_25.html

X2 on checking the motor and trans mounts.

Also the 4wd drive light on the Renix with the front CAD is driven by a vacuum switch on the passenger side fender above the starter area. The light might go off if you're running out of vacuum reserve too.
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