Gillette1987

so im tying this thread for a buddy of mine. he has a np231 transfercase and it isnt engaging properly... not quite sure how to explain this, but in 4-low it seems to work if the surface level is FLAT, any hill climbs the tc wont engage and hes using the rear tires only... same thing for the 4high...

asked a mechanic friend of mine that works on the ft. lewis base as a mechanic and he said either theres a vaccume line thats not plugged in or the tranny/transfercase might need servicing with new fluids... any ideas? neither make any noises out of the ordinary (other than the noises theyre supposed to make), so no grinding or clicking or whirring, none of that... could a low fluid level cause the tc to act up?

mike albo

sounds more like the axle is not engadgeing.What year is it? Up to 90 the front axle has a vacum control to engadge the disconect

Gillette1987

its a 95 wrangler

mike albo

if you can feel it going into low range,the axle is not engadgeing,start by checking the driveline, axle shafts,pinion,yokes

Gillette1987

did all that, even lifted it off all 4 tires and put it in gear... 4L works intermittently (like someone is pressing gas then brakes then gas again in that order, wheels up front stops and goes)... in 4H it goes for a few seconds then nothing... then comes back in motion, then goes out...

mike albo

the chain in the TC could be skipping then

Gillette1987

if it were skipping, would i be able to hear it? all i know is the jeep has 69 thou original miles on it and was towed behind an rv for most of its live

mike albo

Its so hard to say with out seeing or driveing it.But yeah you should be able to hear or feel it skip.

Gillette1987

but i dont... feels like it drives fine when feelin but at certain point it feels like it doesnt

89stroker

the hub in the tc could be worn out or the shift forks are worn out or broke. check linkage from shifter to tc too

Gillette1987

will give that a look too

89stroker

good deal let us know

Gillette1987

checked everything out and found out the transfercase itself is in need of a rebuild or replacement. the chains/bands inside the tc is all worn out and skips a beat every rotation, plus a few teeth on the sprocket gears are snapped. not quite sure how that happened but the previous owner did mention that the wife thought the tc was supposed to be in 4L and tranny in gear when being towed behind a motor home, so im guessing that had something to do with the tc not working ha

89stroker

lmao i give her a A+ for smarts


if u need some tips on taking it apart i have a disected case so i can give you pointers its pretty easy tho if ur gonna do it. just buy a rebuild kit and get a heavy duty chain.