Sorry if this is the wrong section but I'm wondering how the stock xj setup with open diff does in snow or offroading.
When I bought my xj 96 sport 4.0 aw4 4x4 it didn't have a front driveshaft, still doesn't, but I'm having one shipped to me thanks to a member off the forum. Hopefully it bolts on no problem but I've noticed I have an open diff in the front and back.
What's the most basic mod you guys do to make your jeeps full time 4wd?
Will I be able to drive through snow and not get stuck with an open diff?
What's the difference between arb lockers, Aussies, lunchboxes etcetcetc?

There are 3 basic types of diffs: open, limited slip and locking. This video does a decent job of showing what they are capable of. Forget that the video says Eaton G80, that's just one particular brand and model.


Lunchbox is a type of auto locker. Aussie, Lock Right, Spartan, PowerTrax are some brands of lunchboxes (auto lockers). ARB is a mechanically switchable unit that is a spool (no diff, miserable on the street) when engaged or a open diff when disengaged. Most lunchbox auto lockers are easy 2-3 hour install and no messy with ring/pinion gear set-up. Most other lockers and LSDs require ring/pinion set-up (tools, dial gauges, press, etc.).

Open diffs in 4wd in snow is fine as long as you have basic snow driving skills. Lockers can cause their own set of issues in the snow. Tons of threads on locker options you can look through, but if you're not sure if you need one, then you don't need one.

Where in NY are you bro? Downstate, a stock Cherokee will be as good as any of the city vehicles. The storm we got here in the 5 boroughs the past few years, I just cleaned off the my windows and drove, no issues anywhere, I never had to put it in 4 low. The jeep is a 99 classic with open diffs. Havent taken it offroad yet, just speaking on urban snow experiences.

I like it. NP231 or 242?

I've spent the last few days traversing through a foot of snow, my open diffs and 30 inch mud tires handle it all just fine in 4wd. Airing down your tires makes a huge difference, make sure to do that. Sawing the wheels side to side also helps grab traction when you start losing momentum.

What is a open locker????????????

Gah, its been a long day, fixed my post

Open diff dose fine in snow. I won't lock unless I get stuck, has not happened yet! Stock xj's still impress me with a good driver behind the wheel. You can't buy experience... Go have fun! After you install the drive shaft!!!

Gonna number your questions and try to answer them below.

1)It's all dependent on the skill of the driver. Some people can drive an open diff XJ places it was never designed to go, others can get it stuck in their driveway...

Driver talent being equal, and open diff XJ will go places other open 4x4's cant dream of getting to IMHO.

2) Full time 4wd is a term used to describe a 4wd system that can be used on any surface (dry pavement, wet pavement, snow, ice, mud etc...). This is accomplished by the transfer case having a differential action built into it. In XJ's and ZJ's the NP242 transfer case has a full time 4wd option. The shift pattern for the NP242 is [2WD-4Parttime-4Fulltime-N-4Lo]

Other XJ's have the NP231 transfer case, this system needs to be used only in low traction situations (never on clear or dry pavement). If driving a 231 equipped vehicle on road it will need to be shifted into and out of 4wd depending on the current road conditions. The reason being that the 231 locks the front and rear driveshafts and thus axles together with no differential action. The shift pattern for the NP231 is [2hi-4hi-N-4Lo]

3) Yes you can drive through snow without getting stuck. If you are used to snow driving (like crainsrule said) you can drive in a fair amount of snow in 2wd. Once you get 4wd you can drive in deeper snow without getting stuck. Do remember that being 4wd has nothing to do with braking and is not a license to drive quickly in slippery conditions.

4) Read djb383's post.

I really doubt i'll NEED one, i just figured why would a company like jeep equip their cars which were designed for offroading with open differentials. This is my first winter driving in snow (even though i haven't really seen any yet)



I live in queens too, not far from queens center mall off the LIE. So you've never had any problems driving in snow? even after that huge storm last year?


I know the differences between differentials, i just didn't know about lockers. Which would you personally prefer? This is somewhat of a daily driver so i would be parking in parking lots and places that require tight turning. Is it something i can install myself with the right tools? My xj is lifted an inch and running 31s but i want to make it a little more of an offroad machine


I plan on it, once we actually get some snow

I hope my front diff isn't broken or something..... still haven't been able to figure out why he removed it

According to xjsnake i have a NP231 transfercase.

2Hi
4Hi
N
4Lo

Is my shifter label/pattern

I wouldn't worry about a locker if you are just looking to get around town. If if snows enough that your jeep can't go through it, it is just time to stay home, cook some chili and crack open a beer. I have driven my jeep in 28" of fresh snow when she was still stock with 28" near bald AT tires, the jeep handled it fine except the grill kept getting clogged and snow would build up on the hood and windshield blocking my FOV, forcing me to get out every few hundred yards to clear the windshield and grill.

Wow, i'm shocked. This just wants me to see some snow even more.

I run E-Lockers on both and its my dd, a bit on the $ side, however I decide when they are locked or not... can't beat that in my mind. If the previous owner had the drive shaft pulled it would be a good idea to open it up and give it a look, I hope its just a case of a bad drive shaft.