doorman4444

Just discovered and ARB aircompressor under my hood connected to my front diff on my new XJ. I dont have the owners manual so I don't know how to operate the front diff for 4WD. I have a factory button on the dash for locking up the hubs(I think) the air compressor and swith that turn it on are aftermarket. Is this an air-lock diff! It looks factory, is the compressor a replacement for a dead factory one?

97 XJ 4.0 I6 5 speed manual 8.25 dif front & rear

Thanks!

OverlandZJ

ARB selectable lockers are an aftermarket addition to the Cherokee. It was never a factory installed item... unless a dealership did the modification which is rare.

You should have two switches both marked ARB, one activates the compressor and the other the locker. The locker needs the compressor first activated for it to operate.

You dont need to use the ARB to engage 4wd.. it's a secondary traction aid.

FloydXJ

Does it go straight from the compressor to the diff? Usually there is some other stuff involved. Anyway, the hubs are always engaged. The axles and driveshaft up front turn unpowered. Just pull the lever into one of the 4wd positions, and power will go up to the front. It is not advisable to use the locker unless you are out crawling off road or something. Normal non-locker 4wd should be used for snowy conditions.

doorman4444

Is it common to only have one and to have it in the front diff?

winston427

Having a locker in the front or the rear is a personal preference. Some people like them in the front, some in the rear axle, and some run them in both axles.

OverlandZJ

X2 what Winston said..

You listed 8.25" on front and rear in first post, thats a rear axle. I'm thinking you may have a non selectable locker in the rear axle. These are types with no interior controls, and more managable in a rear axle install.

You may be fully locked, most opt for a rear axle locker first.

Jack it up in neutral, spin a wheel clockwise. Does the opposite side spin the same direction?