Hey I'm a new to the xj world. Just bought my first 1997 xj last week. The issue (1 of many issues) I'm having is the 4x4 isn't working. It's the np242 select trac.
It shifts smoothly and feels normal,
I've checked the shift linkage and it seems fine,
lights on the dash are coming on like they should,
No odd sounds or grinding
When in the air I can turn the front driveshaft by hand and the front wheels turn
When in 4low it drops the gearing like it should but only to the rear. I have no 4x4 at all
Can anyone offer me any guidance or advice or point me to another thread that might help?

 

Turning the front DS will always turn the front wheels in the scenario you described. If you want to see if the xfer case is engaged, you could disconnect the front driveshaft at either end (I'd probably do the axle side to make it easier) and put it in 4wd and see if the xfer case front yoke spins freely or not. In 2wd you should be able to turn it by hand, in 4wd you should not.

It almost sounds like the chain broke inside the xfer case. I've never heard of this (usually they stretch and start slapping against the housing) sort of thing happening though.

You can probably find a decent used transfer case for a good price and swap it out, either that or pull the case off and rebuild it. Someone with better knowledge on this may have a better option.

 

Put it in part time mode and do some.full lock turns in a parking lot. If it turns like normal 2wd mode yiu have an issue somewhere. If it chirps and hops and the steering fights you its working fine.

I cant think of anytning that would not make the mode selector work properly if you're getting 4low with no issues. The mode selector collar and range selector collar are different but their shift forks ride on the same shaft.

On the plus side it's a super easy tcase to overhaul with kits readily available and affordable.