EndlessMtnFab

2001 XJ does not have a shift motor as Josh is describing ... so don't bother looking. The 96 doesn't have this motor either. <shaking head>


You have a few possibilities that have already been mentioned. The linkage bushings are worn, or more likely, the rod is out of adjustment. The only thing that keeps the length in check .. is a bolt jammed against the lever/rod. So you're only relying on a bit of surface friction.


The other possibility that has not been mentioned yet .. is bad ujoints. Every time you turn the wheel, your u-joint must cycle in an elliptical pattern of sorts in order to allow the knuckle & axle shaft to pivot. If you have a dead/dry joint ... it will definitely catch-release.


In fact ... I'm willing to bet that's the problem more than the t-case (although the t-case is much easier to check).



Joe

97cher2dr

ok i new my 85 had it didnt know this one didnt. ok ill grease them and see if that helps

Mike1998XJ

When I had a bad front wheel u-joint I had to put it in reverse and hammer it to get it to pop out of 4wd. When I was researching that I found that even a front tire that's low on air can cause the 4wd to be hard to disengage. If that's the case maybe even a brake caliper hanging up on one side might do it...
Just a few other things to consider.
Mike

BuckB91XJ

2000 XJs donnot have the vacuum operated axle disco. Your problem sounds to me like unbalanced front tires, since you said you checked for bad wheel bearings and steering knuckle U-joints already. The inside weights get skinned off by the tierod ends sometimes if you have rims that are really close.

Mike1998XJ

Bad u-joints can be hard to detect. Some people don't know to take a screwdriver and really pry it around in there to see if they are loose. Let's make sure the test was done correctly before writing it off.
He should also try the test where he puts it in 2wd in reverse and then hammers it pretty good to see if it pops out. If it does then at least he can drive around on dry pavement without damaging his Cherokee. And that would point to something in the drivetrain or tires.
Mike

97cher2dr

ok ill have to check the u joints i know its out of 4wd. my lane to my house on a rainy day i need 4wd to get up and tried the other night without it in 4wd and front wheels didnt spin. how do i grease the front u joints without a grease fitting and what kind of grease should i use. its not unbalanced wheels because it sounds like it binds up on tight turns so im defantly guessin its bad u joints or need greased.

97cher2dr

well changed out the front wheel joints and itts fine thanks guys