Manual Lock-Out Conversion ?

[Reanman]

Brand new FSJer here. I purchased a 1990 Grand Wagoneer last weekend. I am looking into the manual lock-out conversion for my FSJ, but have been unable to clearly identify my transfercase. Anyone know how I can identify what I have. And if this conversion is a possibility for my FSJ.

[J10Mike]

welcome aboard. if it's original, your transfer case should be the np229 case. there is a round tag on the back of the tc. it will have the tc model number.
i personally wouldn't put lockouts on a np229 rig. but, others have.

[Reanman]

What are the pros vs. cons of swapping to manual lockouts? I had heard that you can save on fuel economy with the swap and since I plan on using this as my daily driver....manual lock outs sounded like the way to go.

[Texas ChE]

Welcome. I am also new to all this and just purchased an 87 GW that had manual hubs installed by a previous owner. The 87 also has the New Process 229 case that yours should have. To make a long story short, if you run the transfer case in 4hi with the hubs unlocked, you will damage the viscous coupler in the transfer case. This is a very expensive part, and is what allows the ability of running full-time 4hi (allows slipping of front axle during turns in 4wd). Mine is apparently damaged and has been pinned. I can only run 4wd off pavement.

[J4GRAND]

What are the pros vs. cons of swapping to manual lockouts? I had heard that you can save on fuel economy with the swap and since I plan on using this as my daily driver....manual lock outs sounded like the way to go.

It is difficult to raise the mileage on a rig that has the aerodynamics of a barn. You'd be better off spending the money you would on hubs and doing some ignition upgrades such as the TFI upgrade. Do a search if you're wondering what that is.

[talntar]

if i were you i would NOT put lockouts on it .

[89grand]

I agree, don't do it. The mileage gain would probably only be something like .045 miles per gallon. So instead of 10mpg, you'd get 10.045.

Besides, when you accidently toast the t-case, that .045mpg gain will seem even less worth while.

[talntar]

Originally posted by 89grand:
I agree, don't do it. The mileage gain would probably only be something like .045 miles per gallon. So instead of 10mpg, you'd get 10.045.

Besides, when you accidently toast the t-case, that .045mpg gain will seem even less worth while.

yea at 400$ min. to replace the coupling alone,it would take a long time to pay for it in gas savings

[ February 10, 2006, 12:15 PM: Message edited by: talntar ]

[Reanman]

Thanks for the info. I was reading the article on the manual lockout upgrade on the BJsoffroad website. I had read that this upgrade was not recommended for certain tcases and was unsure if I fell into the latter category. Thanks for the advice. The TFI upgrade looks pretty simple. I'll get to that after I change out the rear axle bearings on the D44.