bigvig

So the other day we went wheeling and I cam to a big mud hole and shifted into 4hi and the wife says, "The light didnt come on." I look and sure enough, it didnt. It shifts into position fine, but I cant get it to actually engage. Tried a number of times but just couldnt get it. Not stopped, not going, not nothing. Wondering if its as simple as shift linkage adjustment. Anybody, somebody, must know. Thanks!

Slick761

Sounds like you may be going into 4 but the 4wd indicator switch is bad. Search this it is fairly common. It is found on the driver side of the transfer case. Unless you have a vacuum disco then unfortunately it is vacuum activated and is under the pressure tank under the hood.

bigvig

Im not so sure though. When you throw her into 4hi you can feel the front grab almost instantly and I couldnt feel it the other day. Ill search the indicator switch though, thanks.

Slick761

Use extreme caution! I take no responsibility for injury caused as this isn't recommended. I tend to throw caution to the wind. Put it up on jackstands, start it up and put it in 4hi with your foot on the brake. Carefully let your foot off to see if your front is engaged. Then to see if it works under load put one foot on break gradually and the thereon the has gradually and have someone see if 4 is engaged. As I said use extreme caution. I've done this successfully but that doesnt mean its safe.

BuckB91XJ

The one and only time my vacuum operated axle switch quit working was because the vacuum line came off the bottle inside the passenger side of front bumper. Well, then shortly after installing my front locker, I broke the inside section of the 2 piece axle. So, I installed a 1 piece axle with the bigger knuckle U-joints from a newer XJ and did away with the vacuum switch.

bigvig

Slick, I appreciate it. Maybe Ill take it to my buddies garage and put it on the lift and do that.

buckb91xj, I appreciate the info. I need to climb under her and look around I guess.

Thanks again, guys.