Alright, I have scoured this forum and NAXAJA's forum, and have not found what I am looking for.

Here is my problem:

I have '94 Cherokee Sport 4.0 with the 242 (no vacuum model) with 117,000 miles. The 242 is giving me problems.

It won't reliably shift between 2, 4PT, 4FT, or 4Lo. If I put it into 4PT, it won't go into either 4FT or 2 without hours of gentle massaging! I have done all the usual such as letting off the gas, putting it in neutral, reversing, etc. The shifter itself seems smooth enough. There seems to be no rhyme or reason for when it will work. Sometimes I can drop it from 4PT to 2 without a problem. Other times, it is like pulling a donkey uphill.

Now I took it to a shop and we lifted the truck. We then ran through the T-Case and it engages all gears fine. I can throw it in 2 to 4PT or 4FT, and even 4LO and back again. I can shift between them all. The indicator light works and it engages each perfectly. I can shift it into 4 while in Park, Neutral and Drive. It operates just fine... in the air!

So I figure it must be a load issue right? I checked the tires and they are fine. I checked their air pressure and that is fine. I have no load beyond the stock curb weight.

Well, that's my story. Any ideas???

 

Bumped since it fell to page 3.

I could use some help with this.

I am picking up a used 242 like mine. I suppose I will just rebuild it and swap 'em if all else fails.

Does anyone know if there is a way to tell if I have a 21 or 23 spline shaft without taking it apart?

 

How big is your lift and did you do a transfer cased drop on it?

 

If you have the original 94 242 then it is a 23 spline shaft. Your profile says '84, not sure which is correct. They are a bit temperamental and each has it's own idiosyncrasies, but that said a new chain may restore the t-case back to it's factory shifting. That means it will still have odd demands upon shifting but the oddity will be predictable.

 

It is a 94. 84 in the profile was a typo.

I do not have a lift.

It is stock. I just got it a month ago and I am pretty sure everything is from the factory, except the tires. It even has the Jeep tape deck!

I am getting another 242 with 150,000. Seller if from NAXJA forum. Says it worked flawless. I will get a rebuild kit and chain if it needs it. Then I will swap them.

Any more advice?