NEED INFORMATION ON G WAGGY

[JERSEY JOE]

I am not familiar with the drive train selections on the Grand Wags. I now have an 89 that has I think a 229. there are no locking hubs and there is a lever under the dash that says 2wd and 4wd. The transfer case has some type of vacuum canister on the front of it.

Can anyone tell me what set up this is? There is a lever bewteen the seats like the J trucks so I initally thought it was a 208 but the hubs are full time locked.

[babywag]

Most GW's came with the 229.

'86 came with a 228

Should be a round tag on the back of it with the model number.

[CJ the noisemaker]

I am not familiar with the drive train selections on the Grand Wags. I now have an 89 that has I think a 229. there are no locking hubs and there is a lever under the dash that says 2wd and 4wd. The transfer case has some type of vacuum canister on the front of it.

Can anyone tell me what set up this is? There is a lever bewteen the seats like the J trucks so I initally thought it was a 208 but the hubs are full time locked.Yep, that is a Selec Trac system on grand wagoneers and the AMC Eagle.

[CutterN55]

Should be a vacuum switch on the bottom of the dash to the right of the steering wheel as well. It selects between 2 & 4 Wheel drive. This switch controls vacuum to the transfer case. 229 uses vacuum to engage 4x4. The lever on the floor under the drivers seat (right side) selects low range 4H or 4L. Once the vacuum switch is moved to 4WD you should hear a "swoosh" sound, the 4x4 green light on the left side of the guage cluster should illuminate when engaged. The range shifter is kind of funky, and you might need to try it a few times to get it down. If you have problems getting in 4L, make sure you're in Neutral, foot on the brake, wait a second then try again. Might have to throw it in Drive to get the green 4x4 light to come on and fully engage. Usually if it does not engage 4x4, means you have a vacuum problem.

[JERSEY JOE]

Thanks Cutter. Someone recommend changing the 229 for a 228 and it is a bolt in. Ever hear of this? I assume I would need to install locking hubs since the Gw has none.

[addicted]

I wouldn't bother with swapping the 229 for the 228 unless your 229 is junk and you have a 228 laying around. The only difference in the two is the 228's lack of a viscous coupler for a limited slip effect when in 4wd. The 228 is like an open diff.

[freeincolorado]

I would be willing to bet a 228 will bolt in place of a 229. It seems like a step backwards due to the open diff and lack of vicous coupler in the 228. I'd find a 208 out of a J truck and swap it in. You can use the 229 shifter and QT driveshafts. Swap in manual hubs and you'll have a true part time case.

[710 Burner]

I prefer the 229. Its a good case for "normal" wags and excellent in snow.
Here's a few pointers:
Flip the switch before you back out of the drive. The reversal of drive direction will help it engage. You can also flip it at any time while driving, but it may not engage/disengage until you hit a bump or slow down due to strain on the drive components.

DO NOT try to select low range with the trans in N while not moving. You will hear a lot of grinding, and then a little more when you try to put it in Park. If this happens, either kill motor, or put it in reverse for about a half second, then Park to stop the rotation. To select 4L I like to place the trans in N as I pull to a stop, then place it in Park. Then without letting your foot off the brake, select 4Low. On occasion, I have had to select a gear to get the gears in the TC to line up fully while pulling on the stick. If by doing this procedure you can remove any forward or reverse strain from the front and rear shafts, it will go in every time.