Technically it's a 4wd that's engaged all the time, but we're picking nits here. Most AWD systems are automatic in their shifting of power to the different wheels. Some don't engage the front axle (or rear axle) until the driving one starts slipping.

I guess for parts counter sake, you should say AWD. Jeep's Quadradrive system is about the best one there is short of a computer controlled one like Audi or Mercedes.

 

Full time 4x4 and AWD Is the same thing, they use a center differential so you can run it on the street without binding up when you turn.

 

 

The confusion lies in there being two completely different transfer cases used on the WJ series the 247 Quadra Drive has the shift plate plate marked 4 full time - N - 4 lo and the 242 transfer case is marked 2WD - 4 Part Time - 4 Full Time - N - 4 LO.

I've owned both and much prefer the 242, plus it doesn't require the expensive Mopar NV247/249 fluid that the 247 case has to have.

 

Actually there are 3. The NP147 is constant AWD with no shifter. That's for people that are scared of having to shift the t/case. Like women. I offered my sister-in-law the opportunity to drive my jeep and she said she wouldn't know where start. I told her "You see that small shifter? Forget it exists." She still wouldn't drive it. That's okay. I didn't really want her to anyway.

But I agree. The NP242 is the best all around drive system Jeep has as far as I'm concerned. It's rugged, flexible, and easy to understand. It has very few problems and can be fixed easily with inexpensive parts. A Trac-Loc in the rear would be helpful though. That was only available on 2wd models. Just my opinion.

 

Mine came from the factory with the np242 and trac-loc rear.

 

This video should make this issue as clear as mud. In my opinion. It's 2 wheel drive but automatically shifts into 3 or 4 wheel drive without any driver interface. I think AWD means power goes to all 4 tires all the time. Which is not the case with QD.

 

There you go! At one time, the original purchaser could have a jeep built the way he wanted, with whatever options or drive system he wanted. I wasn't aware this was carried thru to later models. People say there never was a stick shift ZJ ever built, but now I wonder if that's true.

You see, the way I keep this clear in my head is as far as I understand, the NP147 is AWD whereas the NP247 and NP242 are 4wd. The Selectrac, Quadratrac, Quadratrac II, and QuadraDrive make it confusing.

 

They made them but only a couple years.