Just picked up a stock 96, first Jeep of any kind, and I have some --VERY-- basic questions on how the front axle and hubs work between 2wd and 4wd. None of my friends drive Jeeps.

The system I'm used to is an old F350 with manual transfer case (2 wd, neutral, 4 wd high, 4 low) with manual locking hubs. Set for highway driving, transfer case in 2 wd and hubs unlocked, the front axleshafts, differential, and driveshaft do not rotate. To go into 4 wd, I have to shift the transfer case to 4 high or 4 low, -AND- manually lock each of the front hubs. If the front hubs are locked but the transfer case is in neutral, then the front wheels spin the axleshafts, differential, and front driveshaft.

So what's the setup on a stock 96 Cherokee? Are these vacuum-actuated hubs, which lock only when 4 wd high or low is selected, or permanently-locked hubs, which would spin the front driveline even in 2wd? Or some other setup?

I got this Cherokee to use on retirement property instead of a Gator-style UTV. The property has 3/4 mile of logging road, mostly about 10% but about 100 yards at the top that approaches 20%. I want to get me, maybe some passengers, and tools and materials up and down the mountain. I'll probably keep the vehicle tagged for occasional on-road use. It's been suggested to me that vacuum hubs sometimes like to disengage even when 4wd is selected, which would not be preferred given the grade, and I might consider converting to manual hubs. If the hubs are permanently locked, that's good, because I'm much more concerned with staying locked than having a free-wheeling front driveline for less wear and better mileage for limited on-road use.

I probably will have more questions as I get further into checking out this vehicle.

 

You're OK - they're not vacuum hubs on a 96 so they're connected all the time. You just need to select 4HI or 4LO (or 4PT if you have it) at the Transfer Case to get 4WD.

It sounds like you may be retiring but your XJ is going to have a busy time!

 

X2, no vacuum actuation in the 4wd system on the 96's. Your hubs are directly splined to the shafts so the front driveline spins all the time; 2wd or 4wd. Throw the lever at the transfer case to engage 4wd. Best to go into 4hi while moving and into 4lo at a very slight roll (~1 mph).

 

It is the same as your F350 if you kept the hubs locked all the time.

 

youll be fine, 20% aint even steep