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4WD not engaging

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Old Oct 12, 2020 | 12:53 PM
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Default 4WD not engaging

Hey y'all
I noticed that I am not able to shift into 4L. 4H seems to work and the part-time light comes on but when I shift down into 4L nothing engages and it feels like its slipping through. Any recommendations as to where I can look for an issue? Transfer case?

it's a '99 Manual XJ

Thanks
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Old Oct 12, 2020 | 02:01 PM
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Have a look underneath and check the linkages for any play or damage. I've never dealt with a transfer case issue myself but have seen people post about upgraded linkages as the stock ones begin to fail. The linkage could even possibly be out of adjustment. That's where I'd start.
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Old Oct 12, 2020 | 03:09 PM
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Originally Posted by boxburn
Have a look underneath and check the linkages for any play or damage. I've never dealt with a transfer case issue myself but have seen people post about upgraded linkages as the stock ones begin to fail. The linkage could even possibly be out of adjustment. That's where I'd start.
Bump
While you're down there you could also change the transfer case fluid and check for metal. Just to make sure you haven't chewed any teeth up.
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Old Oct 12, 2020 | 06:26 PM
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Originally Posted by jalvarado8
Hey y'all
I noticed that I am not able to shift into 4L. 4H seems to work and the part-time light comes on but when I shift down into 4L nothing engages and it feels like its slipping through. Any recommendations as to where I can look for an issue? Transfer case? it's a '99 Manual XJ
Thanks
I am only familiar with NP242..on all 3 of my XJ, it is often not easy to shift ranges.

It is especially difficult to shift into Lo, and the instructions in the Operators Handbook must be followed, and a few little tricks

The problem is made worse by worn trans mount, engine mounts etc

On other 4wd vehicles I have owned, its normal to have some issues shifting the transfer case
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Old Oct 12, 2020 | 08:45 PM
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Are you you moving at all when you try to get into low range?
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Old Oct 14, 2020 | 11:14 AM
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Here is the linkage, obviously slipped from the casing/bushing. is this a common issue or should I be worried about something bigger like in the transfer case itself?

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Old Oct 14, 2020 | 11:21 AM
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Originally Posted by jalvarado8
Here is the linkage, obviously slipped from the casing/bushing. is this a common issue or should I be worried about something bigger like in the transfer case itself?

I've never personally had this issue but I've always been told it's very common.

http://www.boostwerksengineering.com...-V20_p_25.html
This is what I ordered for my build (haven't installed it yet cause tranny is out) and it is also what I've always been told is the best solution to fixing this problem. So let's hope both of what I've been told is correct and helpful to you XD
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Old Oct 14, 2020 | 11:29 AM
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One question, do you have a transfer case drop installed?
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Old Oct 14, 2020 | 11:32 AM
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I do not believe so. Pretty sure just stock under there.
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Old Oct 14, 2020 | 11:38 AM
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OK. Then I am guessing you will have to replace the bracket since that bushing will probably just pop out again
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Old Oct 14, 2020 | 09:47 PM
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Check that the transmission mount isn't shot. If that or the motor mounts are bad and the trans is shifting side-side, that will make that linkage pop out.

There is also a kit to replace the bushing parts. $16
Amazon Amazon

Or replace the poorly designed linkage altogether for $60. Don't know much about the second one, but others here have used the BoostWerks one.
http://www.boostwerksengineering.com...-V20_p_29.html
Amazon Amazon

Last edited by lawsoncl; Oct 14, 2020 at 09:56 PM.
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Old Oct 20, 2020 | 01:27 PM
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Hey all,
I am looking at two transfer case linkages:
one from Azzys design works: https://www.azzysdesignworks.com/sto...se-linkage-kit
and one from boostwerkengineering: http://www.boostwerksengineering.com...-V20_p_29.html

Have you heard one is better than the other?

Thanks for the input
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Old Oct 21, 2020 | 07:44 AM
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I can't say if one is better than the other but I put the boostwerks linkage on mine about a month ago and have been very happy with it. I installed it a week before a trip to Colorado and it shifts better than it ever did before even after several days bouncing around on the trails.
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