so i have a difficult time moving the 4wd range selector between ranges. its physically hard to move the selector and it doesnt seem to go into 4wd low or hi, the light comes on for part time but thats the only range that sets a light. anyone experience anything like this?

 

I'm assuming you have Selec-Trac? The lever is controlled by cables, and you should be able to hear the cables move when you move the lever.

You are also supposed to move the lever quickly from each position. To get to lo, you have to put the transmission in Neutral (N) and THEN at about 5 MPH, you're supposed to shift down into 4 Lo or N. Same goes for shifting back into 4 Hi, 4 Part-Time, or 2 Hi from 4 Lo or N.

It could be possible that your cables are wearing out. I had a '94 ZJ Grand Cherokee and had to replace the transfer case (Quadra-Trac) when I bought it because it wouldn't shift into 4WD. I found that when I pulled the lever more quickly, it shifted into 4WD easier.

 

ill have to take a look at it whenever i get it all back together, rebuilding the trans and motor right now

 

It's only a single push-pull cable, but the end section is exposed near the t/case, so it might be corroded, especially if it hasn't been used much. You have to shift it "smartly", that is quickly with gusto. There is a detent just before neutral where you have to push the lever sideways to get to neutral and 4lo. I've found the best way to get it into low range is stopped, trans in park, then shift it letting off on the brake a little to get it to roll just a bit and "feel" it engage. When the trans is in neutral, the output shaft is spinning just from fluid friction and it sometimes grinds a bit. Trying to hit 4lo on the roll is sometimes difficult.

Other guys have their own methods, but this works for me.

 

Isn't SelecTrac shift on the fly?

 

Not for 4-Low. Only Part-time and Full-Time can be shifted into on the fly.

 

4lo is cut gears with no synchro at all and the speed of the shafts are quite different. The engagement is by a gear meshing with an internal ring running at different speeds so it's best to stop all rotation.