The other day we got some snow and the side streets around my work were really slick so I popped it in 4H and started my drive home. When I got on the highway the roads was perfectly clear so I figured I would put it back in 2H. Put it in Neutral and shifted back to 2H, it didn't disengage immediately but when it did it did so with a pretty violent "clunk". After I got back to my house I parked and put it in 4H to make sure it still worked and works fine still but the "clunk" when it disengaged has me a bit worried, it wasn't a normal clunk it jolted the whole car. Also I had noticed a bit more noise then normal so I donno. Should I check transfer case fluid?

 

How fast were you going? The "shift on the fly" is only good up to 45mph.

 

I have done this with no problems in the past. I usually put it in neutral and let off the gas then pop it in 2 wheel...Tj

 

The owner's manual says it can be shifted from 2HI to 4HI (or reversed) "at any legal speed". But yes 45mph or less is "Recommended"

 

No reason to shift into neutral. It should be smooth. Were you turning when you tried to shift out of 4x4? That would put tension on the drivetrain and could cause it to kabang when it released.

 

Me I never shift mine unless I am stopped and in Neutral but my Jeep is a 87 and I just don't feel like breaking chit.

 

X2 I stop before shifting the transfer case into anything!

 

Here in central Indiana I am constantly in and out of 4high in the winter, sometime multiple times on one commute. We get snow, sleet, ice, rain, all in one morning commute before 10am on the same day!

I typically shift in and out of 4high going 45 or less and I don't stop (that would cause an accident with whoever is tailgating me). I would not want to do it over 45 for two reasons (1) hard on the equipement, (2) who would be stupid enough to be driving 60mph on snow and ice regardless of 4wheel drive.

My experience has been that some changes are rougher, some are smoother. On my rig, I always let up on the gas before changing, did it once with the foot on the gas and thought I left my whole drivetrain on the pavement!

I would not stress about it a whole lot, these XJ's are beasts. Next time you get a chance, just inspect your drivetrain. Make sure nothing is too loose.

I would expect that next change will be smooth (if you keep your foot off the gas).

If it continues to be rough and gets worse, dig into it deeper, but I would not get too stressed about a one time event.

 

I have a '99 Limited with the Part-Time 4WD. I know that use of the part-time should be restricted, but you have to shift through Part-Time to get to the Full-Time. Has anyone had any problems shifting through both of these while driving?

 

as long as you are driving straight you'll be fine

 

I was meaning to ask about this as well. I was doing a 1,500km drive from the warm south coast up to the frozen north. When I hit snow, I didn't have anywhere to pull over so I closed my eyes and put 'er in 4x.

It seemed to work fine, and I was doing about 100-120km's. So about 70-80mps.... I hope I didn't ruin anything? I've been paranoid ever since.

 

you shouldn't be driving more than 45mph in snow requiring 4x4 anyways....

remember 4x4 doesn't help you stop or steer (without acceleration)...it just helps you get moving. It should never be used at what you might call "highway speed" because you are travelling too fast for the conditions.

 

Which, unfortunately, is a ticketable offense. I know first hand.




[no, it wasn't because of an accident. i just shouldn't have stopped]

 

like they have said SOTF can be done at any "legal speed"
Ive done it at 80 before.... (on slick dirt, not snow)

My 97 and my girlfriends 96 both make a little "pop" when they go back into 2wd.

 

I find my *** end slides ALL over the roads if I'm in 2x on an icy/snowy road.

I pretty much keep it in 4x 24/7 here.