Good morning, wherever you are.
Looking for an opinion--
When I exit my very rough cabin road after 30 mins/2.5 miles in locked 4L, I always stop about 100 yds short of the blacktop and still on dirt. I reverse a few feet to take the strain off SelecTrac and then go into 2H. No problem so far.
But on the sharp curve onto county blacktop 100 yds later in 2H, I get some wheel hop and binding. Have not noticed it in parking lot at supermarket but definitely there as described above when steering wheel is at limit.
So, you XJ experts, any ideas? Major problem? Given 175,000 mi on my XJ, ignore it as a sign of age (like me)? Whaddya say?
Thanks.

 

I would check your linkage going to the transfer case It may need adjusting. If it is still binding after taking it out of 4x4 that is were I would start. The plastic bushings tend to wear out over time.

 

I also have had the 'spline lock' issue after running in 4-Low. And it is a fully remanufactured 242.
I have read that the issue could be with the pads on shift fork. We just discussed it here; https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/np2...2/#post3152605

 

Here's how the factory suggests you shift the transfer case and I've been doing this since these things were new and I worked at the dealership. Quoted from the owner's manual. The suggestions in CAPS are mine.

"To engage, shift the transfer case lever from 2H to 4H while the vehicle is moving at any legal speed". I LET OFF THE GAS, THROW THE LEVER, TAP THE GAS AND LET OFF.

4L position: " To engage, slow the vehicle to 2-3 MPH , shift the transmission to Neutral, then shift the transfer lever to the right and pull firmly rearward to 4L".

TO SHIFT OUT OF 4L, SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL WITH THE VEHICLE STOPPED, SHIFT THE TRANSFER CASE LEVER TO 2H, THEN THE TRANS TO D IF YOU HAVE AN AUTOMATIC, OR INTO FIRST GEAR WITH A MANUAL, AND CONTINUE ON.

Revised 11/20/2014

 

Cruiser 54, that's exactly what I do except for the few feet of backup in 2L to take the strain off the locked transfer case/axles/transmission. Still I always value your pro opinion as seen previously on this website.
Dans98XJ and SteveMongr, will check that next week or week after when I can get it on a lift.
Thank you to everyone. Will keep you advised and possibly bored.

 

242 is a stubborn shifter.

 

It sounds like your 242 is stickig in 4PT (high range). Once you're out of low range keep it rolling straight until you're sure it's unlocked, and also rock on/off the throttle gently a few times after you've shifted to 4FT or 2WD.

Works for me, but there may be other issues as above. Good luck!