BostonIrish

Just started work on my kids 99 XJ..replaced radiator and tranny cooling lines.Gotta swap the exhaust manifold next..was playing around in the driveway,tried to put it in 4h, didn't seem to do anything..tried 4l and it sounded like it was trying to engage but mostly a grinding noise.Where do I start? Just bought it and have no idea it's past history...

repair

We will need to know what 4x4 system you have......does the front axle have a vacume motor on it?

BostonIrish

Not sure...I'll check it out in the morning,would it be on top of the front axle?

repair

yes...on the pass side

BostonIrish

nope...nothing on the front axle..where would it be ? On the transfercase itself?

NateXJ01

I first thought that it could be a burnt out light bulb on the dash, but then I read that it makes a grinding sound. I will have to keep an eye on this thread because my light on the dash does not work either, but mine sounds like it engages when I shift it. I pulled it up on ramps last weekend to change the oil and noticed that the light wasn't on but the ramps did not slide on the concrete floor like they would if I didn't use 4 wheel drive. It is always something isn't it?

repair

My 2000 has the same set up....it doesn't have any vacume control to make the 4x4 engage.

I would bet it has a problem with one of the shift forks in the transfercase.

you should have a 242

bobvalli

Could it be a shifter linkage adjustment issue?

repair

No, the 242 only has one shift rod and both of the forks are moved by the same rooster comb....If I had to guess it's going to be at least the shift fork inserts.

bobvalli

Thanks

Appreciate the info

BostonIrish

Is it an expensive repair?

repair

it depends on what is worn out, if it's just the inserts and you haven't hurt anything else it's 50.00+/- in parts.

The chains seldom need to be replaced and the case uses rtv to seal the haves together......takes me longer to get the transfer case out of the jeep then to fix it.

repair

Something I just remembered......I have seen the snap ring that holds the output shaft in place break....very easy fix and it's easy to check.

Remove the rear driveshaft and then take the extension housing off (part #39), it is held on with 3 bolts.

If it breaks it will eventually hurt the inserts but I have fixed several of them by just replacing the snap ring.

repair

Anytime....I had a tranmission shop for over 20 years and I raced jeeps.

BTW I'm in the grey CJ-7