I can manually shift into 4WD Lo under the Jeep, but the gears are not engaging, Jeep seems like it's in neutral, no grinding or sound.

I have manually (and correctly adjusted the linkage). The T-Case is a 231, I really don't want to take it apart, thoughts? It's never engaged since I purchased many years ago.

 

The bushings on the linkage could be worn out causing your issue.

 

I went under the jeep and manually pushed the t-case lever into Low, so I believe this rules out the linkage.

 

Sell it on Craigslist.

 

Let me clarify, before I take it apart would like to know I have exhausted my options.

Can someone confirm that when the Jeep is in Neutral, I should be able to manually shift into 4wd lo by pushing the lever (under the chassis) straight back (towards rear)? And it should engage if working?

 

241? You mean 231 or 242?

 

231, thanks!

 

Try this:

Here's how the factory suggests you shift the transfer case and I've been doing this since these things were new and I worked at the dealership. Quoted from the owner's manual. The suggestions in CAPS are mine.

"To engage, shift the transfer case lever from 2H to 4H while the vehicle is moving at any legal speed". I LET OFF THE GAS, THROW THE LEVER, TAP THE GAS AND LET OFF.

4L position: " To engage, slow the vehicle to 2-3 MPH , shift the transmission to Neutral, then shift the transfer lever to the right and pull firmly rearward to 4L".

TO SHIFT OUT OF 4L, SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL WITH THE VEHICLE STOPPED, SHIFT THE TRANSFER CASE LEVER TO 2H, THEN THE TRANS TO D IF YOU HAVE AN AUTOMATIC, OR INTO FIRST GEAR WITH A MANUAL, AND CONTINUE ON.

Revised 11/20/2014

 

my 231 likes to be moving to shift

 

The transfer cases were designed that way.

 

After dozens of tries, I was able to get 4WD lo to engage, but after a few minutes it would pop out. I could never replicate exact steps to get it to engage again, after about 2 dozen attempts, it engaged 2 or 3 times. Since I have adjusted the linkage, I am thinking about trying the after market kit I have red about here. Who makes it and what are your thoughts as it relates to my issue? Thanks.

 

is this thing stock ? does it have a transfer case drop ? it still sounds like an adjustment problem

 

No t-case drop, has SYE and JE Reel Driveshaft and 3.5 lift. Thanks for any advice.

 

It's hard to tell since you proclaimed that you had it adjusted correctly, then corrected that correction. So if you think it's a problem with your linkage then switch it. Boostwerks seems to be the standard around here. I have one lying around in a box ready for my tcase swap when I get around to it. I've heard good things. There is also a cable actuated version from novak conversions. Bleepinjeep has a vid for installation of one from Novak. Good luck!

 

I'm betting the linkage is incorrectly adjusted also.