Just starting to play around with a 2000 Jeep Cherokee I have had for a few years. I have plenty of experience working on my Porsche/BMW race cars , but know little about the 4x4 workings..

Hence, here to learn from you all... Here's my first question for my education.

1) When I put the Jeep up on my lift. Spin the front wheels , is the drive shaft going back into the transfer case always suppose to spin too? Automatic , and transfer case is in 2W High. Just curious and seems a bit odd that the whole front drive would spin freely.. Is this normal?

thank you
SemperFi

 

There are two t cases. NP231 and NP242, the first one is PT and the second is full time. On the 231 the wheels will spin free in 2H, the front drive line is only engaged for 4H and L. The 242 is full time 4wd.

 

Ah Ha.. okay thank you!

Suspect there must be something (tag, numbers, ect) that would tell me I most likely have the NP242 TC? Or is there an obvious difference...

 

The back side of the t case has a round metal tag that will say what it is.

 

Perfect.. Thank you!

 

check the shifter plate..

 

Mine is the one to the LEFT for sure. So .... I have a ??? - So I would have the NP231 and just expect the wheels to spin free unless engaged.. Just seemed odd that the driveshaft would spin too, but guess it does now make sense.. unless you had locking hubs...ect..

 

After 1991, the driveshaft spun with the front wheels as the front axle disconnect crap was eliminated. You're fine.