Problems Engaging 4WD

[Cliff]

I consulted the list yesterday for basic instructions. Thanks Stuka and RockJeep. Took the beast out today to try it out.

Got into 4-hi no sweat. Drove around a bit, seems okay. Could not get into 4-lo - the handle just wouldn't pull up (no grining yet). Tried going into neutral, and got stuck there. Trying to go into drive caused massive grinding. When in neutral, attempting to go into 4-hi or 4-lo brought bad grinding too. I finally got back into 4-hi in reverse. Shifted back to drive, drove around a little more, then was able to shift to 2WD. Any ideas? Although I have had the Waggie for a year, this is the first time trying 4WD.

No problem locking the hubs, although I couldn't unlock them until I drove a few miles. Is this normal?

[joe]

What year Jeep/model/tcase type are we talking about here?

[LRRH]

I'm pretty sure he's got an Auto/NP208.

[Subconscious]

Check the linkages. I just experienced a similar problem with my new (to me) '87 Grand with the 229. I got it into 4-lo, but couldn't get it back out. Turned out that the "R" clips which hold part of the linkage together were binding. I had to use a hammer, in conjunction with someone else pushing the lever in the cab, to get it back out. Still need to replace the "R" clips...

[Cliff]

Sorry for the incomplete info - it's a NP208 auto trans, 1981. I will look at the linkage.

If I do not lock the hubs, can I move the 4WD shift lever without engaging?

[joe]

The hubs don't make any difference on the shifting. When you shift into 4L try not to pause in neutral to avoid the grinding. Having to back up some to get back out of 4L is common for most x-cases. If your hubs are hard to lock or unlock you might pull them apart and "lightly" grease them. Don't pack them full of grease. After that lock the hubs in once a month or so and drive a few miles to keep them greased. You don't need to go into 4H doing this but it doesn't hurt to shift the x-case once in awhile also to keep things free. I see that you're in FL so if you play on the salt water beaches I'd grease the hubs quite often.

[Blackjack]

I have a problem shifting into low as well and this is what I do.
Once in 4hi with the truck in drive step on the brake and shut off the ignition. Pull into Lo(should go in real easy). Then put it in neutral and start it up, back in drive and you're good to go. Works the same for taking it out of lo.
Just remember, don't take your foot off the brake while engine's off and in drive. ;)

[Blackjack]

Hey Cliff let us know how you made out. Did this work for you?