stupid question but how do I get my 99 Into full time? it ways goes into part time when I switch into 4x4.

 

I'll see your "stupid question" and raise you - are you sure you have a Full Time mode?

FT4WD is typically only found on Limited and high-end Laredo XJs with the automatic transmission and the 242ci six - everything else only has a part-time mode.

Difference? FT4WD is suitable for use all the time (not quite AWD, but close,) while PT4WD should only be used when you expect to be able to lose traction (sand, gravel, snow, mud, serious rain, and the like.)

 

Part-time 4WD refers to a vehicle with selectable 4x4 or 4x2, requiring the driver to manually shift between 2WD and 4WD using either a lever or a switch. With part-time 4WD, you can "shift on the fly" (switch between 2WD and 4WD while driving). Part-time 4WD gives you better traction on slippery surfaces because the front and rear sets of wheels are locked together. Thus, this is the optimum choice for most off-road conditions.


Full time 4WD, also called permanent 4WD, (not to be confused with: part time 4WD ) is a system that powers all four wheels at all times and can be used full time on all surfaces including pavement. The additional feature of a differential incorporated into the transfer case makes it possible to use 4WD all the time.
2WD is not available (only part time 4WD offers that option). Each tire creates about 25% of the available torque when the ground is level with a consistant surface. Driver has a choice of a "4-high" (that's your every day setting) and "4-low".
Full time 4WD vehicles work very well on-road and are very capable off-road.

 

I thought this was a job listing......

If you do have the 242 transfercase you can shift while it's moving. Let off the accelerator to let the gears unload and shift the lever. mine goes into ft/pt easy but doesn't come out of pt with out work. I needed to jack it up on all 4 corners and put it in drive while I shift the transfercase to get it back to 2wd. Llinkage is adjusted corectly. I need to change the springs and oil as I doubt it was used much in the last 20 yrs.

 

How do I know of I have full time. I have a light in the dash but it never lights up just part time

 

To know if you have Full Time is look at the options where the 4wd shifter is. If your options are 2 wheel drive, part time 4WD, Full Time 4WD, Neutral, and 4Low. Than you have the NP242 Transfer case and you have full time and part time.

If your options on the shifter are 2WD, 4WD, N, 4Lo. Then you have the NP231 transfer case (which is much more common than the NP242) then you do not have Full Time.

Also if you look under your jeep at the transfer case there will be a silver and red tag if i recall and it will either say NP231 or NP242.

-Mike

 

The 242 transfer case is very sensitive to tire wear and tires sizes and alignment. If you have uneven tire wear, it the tire diameters vary by more than 1/4" or your alignment is off. they can be dificult to shift out of 4wd. trick is to shift into 2wd, while coasting and sometimes you may need to back-up and coast as short distance, 25' or so, to get it to release. My ZJ would lock-up sometime, but would release if did a Reverse to drive to reverse, rocking motion.