Hello, I bought my 99 XJ months ago without a front driveshaft and I just got around to putting one in tonight. 4H and 4L work fine but now that I’ve shifted out of 4wd it won’t go back into 2wd. Not sure what transfer case I have but the options on the 4wd shifter are 2H 4H Neutral and 4L. I’ve shifted through all the options without the driveshaft in multiple times with no issues. It will let me shift to neutral, 4H and 4L with no problems it just physically will no go back into 2wd. Any help would be greatly appreciated

hello, i had a smilier problem to yours,try as i might i could not get out of 4wd back into 2wd...but what helped me was this,i shifted the automatic gearbox selector into neutral (this takes the torque load off the drivetrain) i then shifted the transfer case into 2wd...and the the automatic gearbox selector into drive this got me back into 2wd...and doing this works everytime for me.give it a try..hope this helps you..regards Den.

The way the NP231 transfer case is designed you can forcibly shift into 4WD but for some reason they decided to use a little spring to shift it out. If there is any pressure on the drive train itself, the spring is not enough. So one trick I have used is to just let off the gas. This reverses any inequalities in the tires etc and momentarily takes the torque off the gears and sprockets and it will shift out.

Try rocking it back an forth and make sure your tires are all the same size and tire pressure is equal.

So should I do this while the Jeep is in motion or parked? I haven’t tried it while driving, just in my driveway.

I have the same transfer case and shift to and from 4wd with the tranny in neutral and never had any problems. I also shift on the fly (in winter with snowy roads) going about up to 35- 40 mph with no issues. Same process, shift into neutral take foot off the gas shift into 4 high shift back into drive and press gas. Living in new england and going back and forth up the mountain to go snowboarding I'd try and keep it in 2wd as long as possible because mpg, but with snowy roadsand a 4 speed going up a mountain the downshifts would always cause me to slide a bit, hence the on the fly. I know a lot of times the linkages can go bad so sometimes it's as simple as fixing that. Though it sounds like that's fine since you can get into 4wd. I would try it while rolling like i described.

You don't need to put it in neutral to shift in and out of 4 high on the fly.

That I do know. It just made me feel comfortable for some reason lol.

Although for the 242 transfer case, this applies to your Jeep also.

Shifting the NP/NV242J Selec-Trac Transfer Case

2WD Position
This position is for driving on hard-surfaced roads under normal driving conditions when 4-wheel drive is not desired.

4x4 PART TIME Position
This position is designed for temporary use of 4-wheel drive when on-or off-road conditions such as deep snow or heavy ice require increased traction. When engaged, both the front and the rear axles are mechanically locked together and turn at the same speed. Do not use 4x4 PART TIME on dry, paved roads.

To engage, shift transfer case from 2WD to 4x4 PART TIME while the vehicle is moving at any legal speed.

An amber PART TIME lamp will illuminate on the instrument cluster when 4x4 PART TIME is selected.

4x4 FULL TIME Position
This is the primary 4-wheel drive position, which offers better traction when roads are wet, snow covered or icy. When engaged, the front and rear wheels axles are permitted to turn at different speeds to enhance maneuverability. Use 4x4 FULL TIME year-round on all road surfaces if you wish.

To engage, shift transfer case from 2WD to 4x4 FULL TIME while the vehicle is moving at any legal speed. When shifting, do it in a swift and firm movement.

When shifting from 2WD through 4x4 PART TIME to 4x4 FULL TIME, two momentary releases of the accelerator may be required after shifting.

hi,i have done it while the jeep is stationary...but it may work while moving..but of course please take care if moving...good luck.

It was DESIGNED to be shifted while driving!!!!!!! I've done it at 80 MPH.

I agree. Shift on the fly the advertised it. I have, like cruiser, done in hundreds of times up and down Hwy 97 every time I go from snow or ice to dry pavement.