Topic: 4WD not engaging

[Elyod]

I figured I would continue on this thread with my problem:

I have a 98' TJ driven in below freezing temps, all fluids (including t-case) changed recently. 

When I try to take it out of 4wd it does not disengage right away.  I always put it into 2wd while going slow and have tried doing it while stopped and it always takes a while to disengage. I will accelerate and hear the normal added noise that you hear while in 4wd and then it will "pop" out of 4wd and drive normally.  Any clue as to what is causing this? I am not worried about significant problems, this is just friggin annoying.

[Bounty Hunter]

The disconnect is not that much of a pain if you know how to diagnose and maintain it.  I actually sought out a disconnect D44 when I swapped in a pair of D44's.  I run a front spool and a cable to the disconnect. I can disconnect the DS axleshaft and run 3wd to make turning on the trail a lot easier.  When locked, it's troublefree traction.  The disco is controlled by an aircraft cable for troublefree operation.  Po'mans Ox Locker.

[Bounty Hunter]

I figured I would continue on this thread with my problem:

I have a 98' TJ driven in below freezing temps, all fluids (including t-case) changed recently. 

When I try to take it out of 4wd it does not disengage right away.  I always put it into 2wd while going slow and have tried doing it while stopped and it always takes a while to disengage. I will accelerate and hear the normal added noise that you hear while in 4wd and then it will "pop" out of 4wd and drive normally.  Any clue as to what is causing this? I am not worried about significant problems, this is just friggin annoying.

The mode hub on the TJ is not synchronized like it is on earlier jeeps, so shifts are not as easy.  Below freezing temps will make the TC fluid thicker which makes shifting even more difficult.  Consider a synthetic tranny fluid in the 231 and cold weather shifting may improve.

[Elyod]

Thanks for the advice, I will try changing the fluid, I thought this might have been the problem. 

[jfrabat]

The disconnect is not that much of a pain if you know how to diagnose and maintain it.  I actually sought out a disconnect D44 when I swapped in a pair of D44's.  I run a front spool and a cable to the disconnect. I can disconnect the DS axleshaft and run 3wd to make turning on the trail a lot easier.  When locked, it's troublefree traction.  The disco is controlled by an aircraft cable for troublefree operation.  Po'mans Ox Locker.

This sounds like an interesting locker option for the front...  You think it would work on a D30?  Or will it kill it (with 33s)?  Does it affect street driveability at all?

[Bounty Hunter]

I ran my D30 like that for years with 32" and 33" tires, no spool options so had to weld the spiders.  Invisible in 2wd on the road, slight pull in 3wd but driveable.

[95yjman]

Just a real quick question, I ran into the 4wd drive not working today in the snow.  From what I've read it sounds like it just likes to stick in cold weather.  My 4wd has always worked, so my question is when it warms up outside or just plan old gets warmer will it go back to working normal?  This is the first its done it since I have owned my YJ.  The light was on but the front tires where not spinning   I can live with it not working once in a while in the cold since winter is almost over, just wanted to know if it was going to go back to normal once summer hits?

[Jeffy]

Just a real quick question, I ran into the 4wd drive not working today in the snow.  From what I've read it sounds like it just likes to stick in cold weather.  My 4wd has always worked, so my question is when it warms up outside or just plan old gets warmer will it go back to working normal?  This is the first its done it since I have owned my YJ.  The light was on but the front tires where not spinning   I can live with it not working once in a while in the cold since winter is almost over, just wanted to know if it was going to go back to normal once summer hits?

Both front tires weren't spinning?  If the light came on then the actuator should have moved.  That actuator triggers the switch that turns the light on.  GM's used to have a problem with their disconnect since they used a thermal wax in them but that was years ago.  Jeeps never had that issue since they are all vacuum.

[95yjman]

Both front tires weren't spinning?  If the light came on then the actuator should have moved.  That actuator triggers the switch that turns the light on.  GM's used to have a problem with their disconnect since they used a thermal wax in them but that was years ago.  Jeeps never had that issue since they are all vacuum.

hmm maybe I wasn't giving it enough gas to spin the tires I've never been big into the throttle kinda guy.  I'll have to play around with it.  I had it in 4 high maybe 15-20 minutes before that and it was working then.  Its probbley just me being paranoid that it isn't going to work.