My 2000 Jeep Cherokee with the NP231 TC wont get out of 4wd. Before, it got stuck in neutral, but thats because the linkage slipped off. I crawled under the Jeep and reattached the linkage (after taking out the bushing which was destroyed and not allowing the link to fully stay put). There is a small amount of play between where the lever attaches to the linkage, but not much. Now, I can shift in to 4hi, neutral and (I think) 4lo; although, i cant tell the difference between 4hi and 4lo. I had someone sit in the car while i was under it and shift between 4hi and 2wd and the lever is moving the linkage, but its not going into 2wd. I also had it roll back and try and engage the 2wd, but maybe i didn't do it correctly. Any suggestions?

 

i would unhook the linkage off the t-case, then manually move the lever into 2 wheel drive. make sure it's out of 4wd to rule out damaged case, then simply adjust the linkage to fit back into the lever.

if all is good with the length of the adjuster, then check to see if the linkage is binding anywhere. check all bushings to make sure there's no excessive play.

 

yea do what caged said and also pick up some new bushing from the jeep dealer.
They are really cheap anyways

 

even cheaper at Advanced Auto Parts

 

Before i was going to crawl under there and do anything manually, I tried to get do some more of the tricks that people say when stuck in 4wd (rolling back and forth). Somehow I am out of 4wd and in 2wd, but now there is a slight grinding noise when fully turning either way ( i think its in the right wheel). I just had my u joints replaced a couple months ago, could i have screwed something up?

 

My jeep says its out of 4x4, i go out to the dirt or field and mash the gas and the front end doesnt seem to spend but when turning on pavement the front end sure feels like its in 4x4

 

My 4x4 Jeep np231 wont shift i have tried moving the shift lever at the tcase with no luck still seems to be in 4x4 have a pinon bearing out in the front end. I had my front ds unhooked drove fine to work but on the way home seemed to engage. had it tied up with zip ties and it ripped them right away but didn't do it on the way to work i have my linkage disconnected. I cant figure out what is wrong!!!! HELP! I just wanna be in 2wd right now

 

I was able to free my up after I replaced the piñon seals. Guess have that much play in my driveline wouldn't let meshift

 

That photo creeps me out, gdr. LOL.


Here's how the factory suggests you shift the transfer case and I've been doing this since these things were new and I worked at the dealership. Quoted from the owner's manual.

"To engage, shift the transfer case lever from 2H to 4H while the vehicle is moving at any legal speed". I let off the gas, throw the lever, and then tap the gas and let off.

4L position: " To engage, slow the vehicle to 2-3 MPH , shift the transmission to Neutral, then shift the transfer lever to the right and pull firmly rearward to 4L".

 

My. Lever is stuck in 2wd i can move the. Arm underneath. It on the case itself. But not from in the cab

 

Linkage rusted up/fell off?

 

No i did a tcase drop a extra inch and its binding. Up. Somehow