Does reverse work in 2wd???
EASIEST way for a NO-GRINDING transferase shift: TURN OFF THE ENGINE with the transmission in NEUTRAL.
Seems unlikely. More likely that running it dry has worn out the internals enough so that it won't stay in gear. As mentioned above, the lock plate moves into the annulus gear to hold it stationary and engage gear reduction through the planetary gears (item #4 in BJ's drawing).PaulD wrote:...
I am assuming that it is unlikely that there is any crud buildup internally that would prevent a full shift (correct?).
Do you have the 1989 TSM? That will give you the procedure for checking the linkage. You need the book for your year, since the free document I linked above includes the vacuum disconnect axle ... so it won't give you the right procedure.I am also assuming that the shift linkage is properly adjusted. I suspect it is same as set at factory. I would like to try to add some leverage to the shift linkage to try and force it into Lo but don't see any easy way to do that.
There are several places on the web that sell rebuilt transfer cases on an exchange basis. I'd guess the cost for the part would be between $500 and $1000. If you have to hire somebody to do it, a reman comes with a warranty, and your mechanic would probably want to go that route. If you really want to rebuild your transfer case, you might try asking on your local Jeep/4x4 forum for a shop or mechanic that would be willing to repair your case.If above is true, then a mechanical problem is the only remaining cause and it will require a tear down to fix it (correct?). If I have to go the repair/replace route, I have 2 options:
1) Repair my existing xfer case. I cannot do it myself and I have no clue if there is a mechanic anywhere close who knows how to repair the NP229.
2) Swap in another NP229 from my 88 GW parts vehicle. It drives but have never tested 4WD. PO messed with front axle gears and it has no front drive shaft so I have no way to test it in current vehicle. Would need to swap it and hope for the best.
Assuming option 1 can be done correctly, what should something like that cost?