jeepguy1024

Hi,

I'm relatively new to Jeeps and mechanics. Please have patience. I have a 1986 Jeep Cherokee and the 4x4 lever doesn't seem to work or maybe it's just me.

It was my dad's before he passed away and he used the 4x4 mode and I know it worked. So we've had a dump of snow and I tried to use it and like I said I don't know if it's not working or if it's me missing a step.

Can anyone help me out?

Thx

RiponredTJ

You may want to be more specific if you need help.
You say it doesn't work, butwhat exactly seems to be the problem???
The lever doesn't move?
The lever moves but 4wd doesn't engage?
Like what seems to be the actual problem?

jeepguy1024

Sorry,

The lever seems, loose. I only used it once briefly last year in 4x4 mode and I remember it engaging. But now, the lever is loose and can't feel anything engage. It reaches the N position and stops with nothing engaging. I recently had clutch work done and am wondering if that may have done anything.

Mr White

iTrader: (1)

B/4 the panic..Go underneath the jeep and where the shifter comes thur the floor and look up and see whether or not it is connected. They do come apart. If its ok then come back here and let us know and we will continue with the fix.
R U in Que?

jeepguy1024

Ok, i'll do that in the morning and report back. I'm in BC.

Tyvm

ripsenXJ

Sounds like the shift lever is either disconnected or the linkage is bent. It is very easy to bend the linkage. Been there a few times myself. :)

thebabyeater

shift the transmission into neutral .. blip the gas .. pull the lever into 4wd .. blip again .. put it into drive .. just to be clear when i say 'blip' i mean just hit the gas real quick .. that'll unload the drivetrain and let the selector slide over

one of the really stupid things on xj's is the t-case shifter is supported by the t-case and the inside of the transmission tunnel, so a broken or soft tranny or engine mount can cause it to bind .. so make sure they're in good order

also some of the cheaper t-case lowering kits have a cheap plate that's supposed to support it on the body side .. these wear and bind fast

i cured my t-case probs with a shifter from novak

jeepguy1024

hey guys,

ok here's the new deal, I didn't have time to work on this so i took it to.. *drumroll*.. crappy tire. that was this morning, so they fixed it, when i had work done there they had 'forgotten' to re-connect it. so now i have a NEW issue.. where it didn't engage before.. (because of it not even being connected) i tried 4wd out and it won't dis-engage now. WTF.

(i should add that i havent used the 4wd in about a year so .. could it be stuck?)

jeepjones

Go back to crappy tire, Tell the service manager how all this is B.S, and how angry you are, then tell him that you would like them to stop dicking around and to get his most qualified journeyman mechanic to fix the problem that they have caused and that you want it done right now and you are not leaving until it is done. If he does not comply then go talk to the Store Manager. Remember to stay calm and be firm and don't swear.