4 low T-case problems?

[muddy bike]

Hi everyone,

This is probably going to sound like a beginner question but how is it possible for the command trac transfer case to make a grinding noise when going into 4low when the transmission is in neutral? I mean it’s in neutral right? Even when I’m not moving at all it still makes a grinding noise when it try to put it in 4 low. Is their something wrong with my T-case or is it that I’m not pushing fast or hard enough?

Thanks for any and all help.

 

[Matthew Currie]

Automatic or manual transmission? Even in neutral a manual tranny can have enough oil viscosity to turn the output shaft. Since the TC goes through its own neutral position before going into 4 low, this can allow some of its innards to turn as well. If that's the case, I wouldn't worry - just yank it in faster, or push in the clutch and wait for everything to stop turning. I don't know whether there's enough viscous drag in an automatic to behave the same, but you could test it easily enough by putting it in park and trying it then.

 

[akorna]

I'm having a similar problem on my '99 XJ Auto - have you tried to adjust the linkage? I also have recently read that it could be a problem with the vacuum line to the case.

 

[Matthew Currie]

I'm having a similar problem on my '99 XJ Auto - have you tried to adjust the linkage? I also have recently read that it could be a problem with the vacuum line to the case.

No vacuum line on a 99.

 

[akorna]

You're right - no vacuum line - just a vent line. There still appears to be a vacuum switch though - assume that's what lights up the dash board indicator.

 

[muddy bike]

I didn't think you could shift into 4low when in park. I just got back from a drive and while I was out I did the trick of just pushing faster into 4low and it worked. It didn't grind at all. I still don't get why it can grind when in neutral.

 

[90Pioneer]

[hijack]

Whenever I try and put my '90 XJ AW4 231 into 4lo, it just acts like the T case is still in neutral. Took it to a mechanic and they said there was no linkage to adjust (wtf?), and that some of my parts were bent inside my T-case. They wanted $300 something to fix it. Are they trying to bend me over? I really felt like I was getting bent over when I got a second opinion, and they wanted to sell me a used t-case for $800. I just turned around and walked out.

If it's gonna cost me $300 to fix it, I might as well just by a good condition 242 tc, for cheaper, so I could have FT 4x4 in the winter.

[/hijack]

 

[Matthew Currie]

[hijack]

Whenever I try and put my '90 XJ AW4 231 into 4lo, it just acts like the T case is still in neutral. Took it to a mechanic and they said there was no linkage to adjust (wtf?), and that some of my parts were bent inside my T-case. They wanted $300 something to fix it. Are they trying to bend me over? I really felt like I was getting bent over when I got a second opinion, and they wanted to sell me a used t-case for $800. I just turned around and walked out.

If it's gonna cost me $300 to fix it, I might as well just by a good condition 242 tc, for cheaper, so I could have FT 4x4 in the winter.

[/hijack]

Putting it bluntly, they're full of s**t! There is indeed a linkage, and it is certainly adjustable, and easily, too! Of course that doesn't guarantee that your T-case isn't toast, but if the linkage is off, the first thing to go out will be 4 low.

A useful preliminary check is to see if your TC lever handle is more or less parallel to the floor in 2WD. If it is tilted up, it probably is out, and probably won't fully engage in 4 low. Get under the vehicle, and look at the linkage. You will see that a part of it includes a rod which passes through a trunnion with a bolt in it. This is the adjustment point.

To adjust, first, shift into 4 Low, and then loosen the bolt. Now push on the lever on the transfer case to make really sure that the transfer case itself is shifted all the way into 4 low, then tighten the bolt. That should do it.

You should also make sure the linkage is good and free, and lube it if necessary. If you do not use 4WD very often, it's a good idea every once in a while just to cycle the lever through its paces repeatedly to keep it limber.

(edit...ps...) I don't know where you live, but a used transfer case for 900 bucks is ridiculous too. You can get a whole rusty XJ for less here in Vermont and probably drive it home!