Hi Guys,

Well the engine in my 96 died and I decided to get a new cherokee, a 2000. It has the select track (full time and part time 4WD). Is there any difference between the 4WD in terms of power or how they work? I put the 2000 into 4WD (I tried both full time and part time) and in pretty deep snow it didnt seem like it worked as well 4WD on my 1996 usually does. Am I just crazy or is there a real difference between the 4WD systems?

Thanks much!

David

 

Your new Jeep has a 242 t-case, where your old one had a 231. The 242 (full time) option is for all driving conditions, and is "all wheel drive". Part time is just like the 4x4 in your old Jeep, and should work the same. The full time option is great for driving on uncertain road conditions, but not so great!! HTH!!

 

Besides what COS described to you the two systems are relatively the same. Just that the 242 has that fulltime option. In part time it is exactly like your 96.

 

So what exactly is the difference between "full time" and "part time"? When I put mine in 4 wheel drive (high or low) the "part time" light illuminates on the gauge cluster.

 

Part time locks up the central differential that is in the 242, and slips the power equally between the axles. Full time will allow some slippage between the front and rear axle, thus making it perform better in slick road conditions. HTH!!

 

So in some cases the front tires and back tires could be spinning at different rates in full time because the drive shaft isnt locked up?

 

Slighly, it basically just eliminates most of the torque steer you experience in regular 4x4. It wont let the axles spinn independently of one another, but it will give some grace if that makes sense.

 

exactly right, i have the 242 and you will loveeeeee it! its just like using all wheel drive, you can go at any highway speeds and you can turn even on the dryest pavement and its not going to tear up your 4x4

 

I have the 242 which has the fulltime 4WD and the only difference I have when using it is slightly worse fuel mileage. I used to run all winter in fulltime when I lived in the mountains. I put it in fulltime at Thanksgiving and took it out when the trees started to bud out.