So I'm looking into purchasing my newest xj and yesterday I'm viewing a 98 4.0 automatic that's I'm pretty decent shape. It's got some minor flaws, but for the most part it's stuff I think I can fix. However, when I went to put it in 4wd I had to go all the way to 4L and then back up to 4h to get it into part time without the jeep grinding. Then it was in 4wd and running correctly. So I tried to switch it back to 2H and at first, even though the dash and the **** said 2h you could still tell it was in 4h. So I put it in park, moved back through the gears and then took off again and for a brief second it was still I'm 4h. So I put both the tcase and tranny in neutral. Then shifted tcase to 2h and transmission to reverse. Finally it popped out of 4wd.

It's obvious the previous owner didn't do 4wd as often as he should have to keep things running right. Here's my question: is this a regular occurance? I'd this something worth taking a chance on dealing with? I have zero intentions of keeping it stock and intend to go off road so 4wd is a must, but it's going to be a daily driver so 2h is more of a must. Anyone deal with anything like this before?

 

I usually have to rock my 5 spd back and forth a few times to get everrything to release and go bach to 2H.

 

I have a 98' XJ and I do have to put in neutral and go in reverse a couple feet for it to disengage. I have also read on someones post on here and several people responded that it was normal. I have never had a problem with my xj having to do this. Hope this was some help.

 

Yup. Pretty much exactly what I needed to hear. I think I'm gonna get it

 

Glad I could be of some help.
Post some picts of your new project when you get her.

 

Picking her up this afternoon

 

Bought. Ordering kit, tires and flares tomorrow.

 

The recommended method for shifting from 2H to 4H and back again is to do it at speed in a straight line.

Let off gas, pull lever, tap gas and let off.

 

Check your transfer case bushings also. The plastic ones are pretty tough but there is a bronze one also that was completely shot on mine.

 

check and lube the linkage
change the fluid