fishunterx

The guy I bought the Jeep from said that it was for the posi on the front diff to lock it. He said that it's a manual override to lock the front end. I'm not sure exactly what it does, he didn't explain it well and I didn't test it when I bought it.... lesson learned.

Now if I put it in 4 High and twist out the **** or push the red button and pull it out, it pops and clicks. I don't have anywhere to test to see if when I put it in 4 High or low if my front tires turn. If anyone has any intel, it would be greatly appreciated.

** Edit: when saying it pops and click's I'm referring to the front Axle, sounds horrible and jars the entire Jeep.

rideordie66

sounds like a front locker. when you lock the front it wont want to turn because it turns all the wheels at the same rate. thats prly what causes the sounds yer hearing. get it stuck in mud real bad and hit that button and if all wheels spin then it works, let go and only one front should spin.

Choo_31

Google search 4x4 Posi-Lok. I'm pretty sure that is what is installed on your XJ. I'm not very familiar with them though.

fishunterx

ok, so w/o pulling that I should be running limited slip on the front end and when pulling it I'll be permanent locked?

Sorry to sound like a total newb, but I am a newb to Jeeps

89Laredo

^ If it is a stock front end, no. It will act like nothing is there cause of the half shaft just turning.

Look for my writeup (free -91 cad bypass) in the writeup section and look at the pics, it will help you understand a little better.

That is a cable to move the shift fork on the front end over. The passengers side axle is 2 pieces, when 4wd is engaged the 2 pieces are connected with a splined collar. The noises you hear are most likely the collar trying to move over.

I would put it in neutral, move shift lever to 4wd, put back in drive,
Grab the cable, pull back and hold with pressure, let off the brake and just let the jeep roll. It should lock in.

fishunterx

Ok, so I'm used to manual locking hubs and a transfer case......

I just climbed under the jeep to take a look to figure it out, and I see now.

So the only thing that does is lock in the passenger side axle so both front wheels turn. I've never driven anything like this before and apologize for sounding stupid.

Defiance, I have a manual, so would just coasting allow it to slip in?
And if in and turning will it pop like I described? Or does that mean it's not in all the way?
And I heard a LOUD pop, any chance I broke something?

89Laredo

Sorry... I saw the shifter and everything, but it didnt register when I was typing.

so, you would push in clutch, put in 4wd and pull up on teh cable holding pressure on it, let off clutch and let it roll.
Im thinking a slow speed will allow the shift fork to move over easier.

Youre not trying to do this on pavement are you? Should only be attempted on loose surfaces or you will get popping, binding, etc.

fishunterx

No worries about the stick/auto mistake. I'm assuming you have the manual posi-lock?

I'll give that a shot tomorrow trying to get it to slip in. Do you think there is any chance I broke something?

I hate to be a nag, but this is a new to me rig and I want to make sure everything runs rite. Not to mention it's my first Cherokee and apparently I'm 100% clueless to the drivetrain.

And I was doing this in my yard/driveway.

89Laredo

I dont have front disconnect anymore, that jeep got wrecked (dumbass driving a camaro in winter) and I just had the shift fork moved over (youll see if you read my writeup)
But, I know how these things work (or should work)

Sorry if sentences arent too clear tonight... Vodka does that.

fishunterx

Finally found your writeup, took a lil bit to find it. Actually found it when I quit trying to search.....

I really appreciate all of your help and expertise, If you were local to me, I would offer to buy you a round.

It's too late now my wife would freak if I was out there starting it up, but tomorrow I'll check and see if it locks and hope that I didn't break anything with it half out.

So once it ACTUALLY locks in, and I'm off road, it shouldn't pop anymore?

And are D30 axles solid once the half shaft is locked in?

89Laredo

shouldnt pop anymore, unless you have some other problem.

D30 should be fine with the 2.5 and anything smaller than 35s
Main thing to worry about is the ujoints.

fishunterx

Sounds good, I plan on maybe going up to 31's or 32's. With the 2.5L I would have to replace my diff to get the same final drive ratio so I would have enough power to push 35's.

Thanks for all your help. If you ever happen to make it out my way, I owe you a beer.

fishunterx

THANKS A MILLION!!!!

Tried your advice this morning, and finally got it locked in, felt like it was pulling, had the same trouble getting it unlocked and had to let it roll a little bit to disengage. I owe ya one!!!

**couldn't test it too much as I would have to completely tear up my yard. But hopefully mud soon!!!