Mine works fine and I like it stock. That said, if something is jacked up, you don't loose much by locking the disco. Locking it just keeps some stuff unnecessarily spinning full speed, (front drive-line and some stuff in the TC). Not a big deal that. (four wheel drive is still controlled by the Transfer Case)

 

I'd pull the inner shaft and replace with 1 piece. fix it and forget it.

 

Mine has been locked together for 4 years now. I don't have the vacuum ports with my new setup. The shaft spins, but the t-case isn't engaged.

 

Just like it would spin if it were equipped with a NP242 transfer case or any transfer case 91.5 or later.

 

Not sure how that works. Both of my axles are engaged and the driveshaft turns with them.

 

NP242 equipped XJs had no vacuum disconnect.