Pantallica

Hello,
Recently purchased a 97 ZJ, want to take it off-roading but just a little confused about the 4WD selections?
From what I've read is this correct
Part time 4WD - part time illuminates = front and rear drive shaft locked in gear all four tires are working together unless slippage/loss of traction then it will send all power to that tire (open differentials) only use in off road conditions
Full time 4WD - full time illuminates = Most power distributed to rear tires only uses front tires when rear tires start slipping/loose traction can be used at all times including dry pavement (street, highway and off-road conditions)
4WD lo - part time illuminate = front and rear drive shaft locked in gear all four tires are working together unless slippage/loss of traction then it will send all power to that tire (open differentials) only use in heavier off road conditions uses more torque in lower gears.

Just not to sure I've only driven 4x4 that have 4WD Hi and 4WD Lo and I don't want to mess anything up, and does full time work like an all wheel drive vehicle? And when 4x4ing should I place it part time and lo or leave it in full time until I see a hill or mud then go to lo and PT
thanks for you help and tips

sycoglitch

Me personally, I have the 231 TC. I only use 4LO on a good hill climb and need to low range. Im usually in 4hi and 1/2 for blue trails and fly shift to 2wd and 3 when on flatter trails, since i usually don't fly thought em i don't see past 3rd gear.

dave1123

Okay, with the 97 and those gear options, you have the 242 t/case. The open differentials work like any others, that is, if you loose traction with one wheel, all the power goes to THAT wheel, the one that's spinning. So, in part-time 4WD, you'll get power to at least one wheel on each end, front and rear. In full-time, there is a differential in the t/case, so if you loose traction with ANY wheel, only that one will get the power. They tell me there is a 60/40 power split between the two axles, but IDK because in my experience, I haven't noticed the difference.

The way I would drive it off-road is to use full-time all the time unless you have very loose or rough terrain, and then go to part-time. You will only need low range if you don't have the power to climb steep hills or start spinning in part-time. Low range will limit your speed to around 30 to 35 mph unless you want to over-rev the motor. You can also lock out the O/D if you want because you'll never use it unless you're really flying down a dirt road.

The only way to get better power control is with a limited slip rear differential, or by putting a "locker" in it, and if you REALLY want to get serious, put a selectable locker in the front diff as well.

I hope that clears up the mysteries about the 242 transfer case.

Welcome to CF!

Pantallica

Thanks for all info and help it really did clear things up!