97 Grand Cherokee stuck in part-time 4WD

reagansgrandma · 07-26-2008, 06:27 PM

HELP, any one able to tell me what to do in this situation? Can it hurt it to drive it this way? Sounds like it is in bind. I LOVE MY JEEP

Just be glad when all the BUGS are worked out

**SpeedyCat3** · 07-26-2008, 06:51 PM

Yes it can gamage the TC driving it in part time 4wd.
What TC do you have?
Seems like the linkage is out of alignment. You can loosen up the bolt thet adjusts the linkage, push the TC lever all the way forward until it clics in the forward most position 2wd in the 242, or ful time in the 249, and then tighten the bolt up again.
When mine was either getting stuck or not getting into the right position, the bronze buhing was completely gone in the torque shaft in the TC, so it was completely out of whack everytime I shifted the TC.
I bought a TC linkage rebuild ki from chrysler, and it is all good now.

reagansgrandma · 07-26-2008, 06:58 PM

It is so nice to get help so fast, I so appreciate the speedy reply

**SpeedyCat3** · 07-26-2008, 07:02 PM

You are welcome, I'll be here all week...

reagansgrandma · 08-08-2008, 07:03 PM

reagansgrandmas husband - where is this linkage located? Do I get to it from below or up top. Never had a Jeep before.
Thanks.

**FPKites** · 08-08-2008, 07:35 PM

You still haven't answered which transfer case you have 242 (Selec-Trac on the shifter bezel) or 249 (Quadra-Trac on the shifter bezel). If it's a 242, you're looking at probable linkage adjustment which is done underneath the vehicle. If it's a 249, you're possibly looking at viscous coupling (VC) lockup.

Let us know please.

reagansgrandma · 08-09-2008, 07:21 AM

It would be the 242, 2wd in the full forward position.

**FPKites** · 08-09-2008, 07:27 AM

The linkage can be adjusted from underneath the Jeep. There is a rod that goes into a "channel" of sorts, secured by a bolt. Loosen the bolt and adjust the length of the rod until you can hit all 4 modes easily.

reagansgrandma · 08-09-2008, 09:28 AM

Thanks alot! Will give it a try this afternoon. Reagansgrandmas husband.

**SpeedyCat3** · 08-09-2008, 10:23 AM

What I had to do after the swap was to losen up the linkage, and move the Transfer case short lever manually all the way forward.
After that, adjust the linkage all the way forward and tighten it up.
Make sure there is no play in the torque shaft that goes in between the frame rail and the transfer case. It is common for the metal bushing to wear out and completely come out, and it makes a wobbly momenet for the shaft.
In worst case scenario, all bushings and a revised torque shaft is avilable in a rebuild kit from Chrisler.
I bought that and my TC shifts like new right now.
Keep us updated.

reagansgrandma · 08-09-2008, 12:11 PM

tried loosening bolt and placing lever all the way forward. Seems to be a whole notch out of sync - full ahead is supposed to be 2wd and is part-time. 2nd position is supposed to be part time and if full time, and third position is supposed to be full-time and is neutral. Will continue playing with it to see if I can get it to be in proper positions. Thanks all for the help.

**FPKites** · 08-09-2008, 12:14 PM

Adjust it short temporarily so you can shift it into 2wd, then adjust for that.

BLACKzj52 · 08-09-2008, 12:20 PM

adjust the shift linkage
heres what i did

the blue arrow indicates where the linkage originally was (the lock nut screw)
i moved it down
the green rectangle is showing the back of front driveshaft near the tcase, just for perspective

i adjusted mine cuz i couldnt get into 4lo

edit: and oh yeah guys, he couldnt possibly have a 249, last time i checked there was no 4 part time option

reagansgrandma · 08-09-2008, 01:55 PM

Thanks for the quick and numerous responses. Yes it's a 242 w/part time 4wd. Tried multiple ways to move the adjustment, seems the rod is bent. Won't budge. Does the rod come with the kit? Or will I just have to remove the rod and hammer straighten it? Tried WD40 and gentle persuasion, didn't have room for a 2lb hammer.

reagansgrandmashusband/reagansgrandpa/Bill

**SpeedyCat3** · 08-10-2008, 12:08 PM

Use a prybar or pipe to push the TC stubby lever all the way forward to kick in 2WD.
It takes a good bit of force, and cannot usually be done with bare hands.
Than adjust your linkage.
The lever seems to be all the way forward right now for you, but it is probably not.