hey guys i have a 2000 xj sport 4 speed auto 4.0 liter i6 np 231 tc. What is the proper way too use 4 wheel drive during the winter months, on the paved roads. I would like too know the proper way too shift into and out of 4 wheel drive, on the fly or if i need too stop fully to engage 4 wheel hi and to disenge also. the np 231 has 2 hi 4 hi n 4 lo any and all info on this i would greatly app.ty

 

As long as you are not spinning, you can shift on the fly.

 

Yeah, I dont think the Jeep NP T-cases have synchro's or whatever, so the front and rear wheels have to be turning at the same speed to shift in, otherwise you get a scary grinding noise. Basically if the wheels start to hop on turns, you dont need it in 4wd anymore. I also dont use 4lo on the road, use 4hi for any regular speed driving.

 

my rule of thumb is when i see the road covered in snow in front of me, i'll shift to neutral and pull the 4wd lever into 4hi, then shift the tranny back into gear.
then when the road is clear again, i shift to neutral and push the 4wd lever back into 2wd again, then shift the tranny back into gear and keep going.
i don't lose much speed when doing this, and it's peace of mind that the wheel speeds are matched and nothing can go wrong.

seems like a lot of shifting, but atleast nothing can bind and break and leave me stranded on the highway in the middle of winter. now mind you, if the road is patchy and relatively straight, i'll just leave it in 4hi until it's clear for a bit.


but i've also forgot about it and cruised down the 401 at a buck 20 with it still in 4hi for about 40 klicks and my t-case didn't explode....

 

old thread but don't want to clutter forum making a new one for pretty much the same question..

This is my first winter owning a Jeep Cherokee XJ and I've never had a 4x4 vehicle before, so if there is just an inch or two of snow and slush and some other cars have already driven down the paved road, but it hasnt been plowed clean yet, do I bother using 4 wheel drive in 4 Hi or just keep it in Drive and only use 4 Hi when there is like 4 to 6 inches of unplowed snow? Be gentle, this may be a no brainer for some of you, but I'm new to 4 by 4 winter driving. I'm riding on brand new Mastercraft Courser MSR winter 225/75r16's if that helps.

Thanks,
Squelchtone

 

I think tho thread is pretty helpful.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f59/wi...se-4wd-183336/

 

What caged said.
I'm driving on brand new Goodrich TKO's this winter, I'm going to really enjoy it this year.

 

Thanks for the replies guys, I read the other thread just now and I'll try out what caged wrote.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Squelchtone

 

The only time I put the trans in neutral for this is when shifting into 4 Low. Which you won't want to use on the snowy roads. You can shift into 4 Hi while in motion, just keep your speed low and let off the gas, then pop it in 4 hi. should not be a problem.

 

I never shift the trans in neutral, just when I need low like Pockets said. You can shift the TC at any legal speed..check out this vid of me shifting my TC at 70mph for science .. Cruiser54 said he has shifted his TC at 80mph. No need to put the trans in neutral, Just grab the handle up and go. Works the same for the np231.

 

So with part time, what about if you are in 2wd, you aren't moving and you can't get moving? How are you supposed to engage 4wd in that situation?

 

When that happens.. I drop it down to 4L, seems to work for me.

 

Not quite what I was asking ...

If the correct way to engage 4wd is, while moving let off the gas and pull the lever to 4wd hi. What is the correct way to do it if you aren't moving and can't get moving (in 2wd).

There are many times when I come home and park using 2wd, we get 6-12" of snow and I need to engage 4wd from a stand still.

 

Then just pull the handle, put the trans in drive and be off to the races.

 

Thank you.

I keep reading the the "correct" way is to do it while in motion, unfortunately that's not always an option.