NP 229 Transfer Case

[per1277]

I'm learning. I'm only plan to use this vehicle in 4X4 high anyway. No need for a Gramma gear in the city anyway. Thanks for everyones help, nice folks on this forum.

[per1277]

Wow Dodgerammit, I'm confused again. The operating/repair manual for the Laforza indicates that the range lever (located between the front 2 seats) has 4 detents, 2WD HIGH, 4WD HIGH, 4WD LOW, and Neutral. Since Jeeps also use this 229 Transfer Case, I would believe that the detents would be the same. After resolving my vacuum/4X4 engage issues, I engaged
the 4X4 by pressing the vacuum button while the vehicle was on jack stands on all 4 wheels ( I did not move the range lever). All 4 wheels were turning and the 4X4 light on the dash illuminated. However, according to my manual, I was still in 2WD HIGH as I never moved the range lever out of the full down position. What am I missing here? Since I purchased this vehicle some 22 years ago, I've never moved the range lever. Any ideas?

[dodgerammit]

Wow Dodgerammit, I'm confused again. The operating/repair manual for the Laforza indicates that the range lever (located between the front 2 seats) has 4 detents, 2WD HIGH, 4WD HIGH, 4WD LOW, and Neutral. Since Jeeps also use this 229 Transfer Case, I would believe that the detents would be the same. After resolving my vacuum/4X4 engage issues, I engaged
the 4X4 by pressing the vacuum button while the vehicle was on jack stands on all 4 wheels ( I did not move the range lever). All 4 wheels were turning and the 4X4 light on the dash illuminated. However, according to my manual, I was still in 2WD HIGH as I never moved the range lever out of the full down position. What am I missing here? Since I purchased this vehicle some 22 years ago, I've never moved the range lever. Any ideas?

The range lever is for low range/high range ONLY.

2wd to 4wd is done via the vacuum switch.

Look at the case again where you moved the linkage going to the vacuum actuator. NP229s have TWO different input linkages. The one connected to the vacuum actuator is the 4wd engagement. The other linkage (should connect to the range lever) is for hi to low range and is only switched once in 4wd and at a complete stop.

There is no way one range lever controls both.

Your manual is wrong or is describing another transfer case.

[per1277]

So, without touching the range lever, moving the mode selection to 4X4, the vehicle is in 4X4 High. Correct?

[dodgerammit]

So, without touching the range lever, moving the mode selection to 4X4, the vehicle is in 4X4 High. Correct?

If it is a 229 case, then yes. Given your jack stand test results earlier, that confirms it for you.

Like I mentioned, crawl under and look at the case linkages. There will be two. One is connected to the vacuum actuator, the other should be connected to your range lever.

[candymancan]

On my 90... i have to RELEASE the throttle for it to shift into 4wd.. so flick the switch.. let off the gas doesnt matter what speed im at.. and itll shift to 4wd... My light bulb burned out, but i can actually hear the bzzz or swish noise in the dash when i let off gas when it shifts to 4wd... when my bulb worked i let off heard the noise and the light came on... so now i just rely on the noise as im too lazy to change the bulb lol

[per1277]

Thanks Dodgerammit, I guess I beat that to death, but after 22 years owning this vehicle, even in Colorado, never paid any attention to the 4X4 portion of this vehicle. Thanks again.

[candymancan]

the 229 booklet also calls for you to drive in in 4wd for minimum of 10 miles every so often... i assume this is to keep the viscous coupler moving and the mechanisms to keep "moving" and not get stuck or go bad

[Stuka]

Wow Dodgerammit, I'm confused again. The operating/repair manual for the Laforza indicates that the range lever (located between the front 2 seats) has 4 detents, 2WD HIGH, 4WD HIGH, 4WD LOW, and Neutral. Since Jeeps also use this 229 Transfer Case, I would believe that the detents would be the same. After resolving my vacuum/4X4 engage issues, I engaged
the 4X4 by pressing the vacuum button while the vehicle was on jack stands on all 4 wheels ( I did not move the range lever). All 4 wheels were turning and the 4X4 light on the dash illuminated. However, according to my manual, I was still in 2WD HIGH as I never moved the range lever out of the full down position. What am I missing here? Since I purchased this vehicle some 22 years ago, I've never moved the range lever. Any ideas?

I wonder if your manual covers another model that maybe also has an NP208?

For FSJ's equipped with an NP208 (with an auto trans) the flag shifter under the seat does indeed select all the range modes as there isn't a vacuum shifter for the NP208.

The NP229 flag shifter only has high/neutral/low as noted previously in this thread.

[per1277]

No, may vehicle definitely has the NP229 Transfer Case and the Vacuum Mode selector. I've got it all sorted out now except what gear oil I should use in the front and rear differentials? Hypoid or Limited Slip? Anyone know? Thanks and regards.

[tgreese]

Limited slip oil is just hypoid oil with with limited slip additive. You can buy packets of additive at the parts store, and can always add the additive if it needs it.

The axles should have a tag that says "use limited slip oil only" or something similar, if limited slip. Or you could take the covers off and look - we could identify open differentials (hypoid oil) from LS differentials (with additive) if you can't. Post pictures. I would expect it's open front and rear (ie hypoid oil).

Your Laforza shop manual should specify.

No need for fancy oil in the differentials - I use Walmart 85W90 gear oil in the gallon jug.

[Stuka]

Worst case, you can add the additive without hurting an open diff incase you are unsure. I saw that a rear limited slip was optional for the Laforza.

[per1277]

Where did you get your information? I'd like to research it more. Thanks.

[tgreese]

Search. Read. https://www.bing.com/search?q=which+gea ... ferentials

You must use an oil that meets or exceeds the manufacturer's specifications. Refer to the Laforza shop manual or service specs.

Differentials use gear oil, typically spec GL-5. Oil brand comparisons are a can-of-worms topic. IMO if you choose a quality product that meets the spec, brand differences could be real but are likely negligible in service. JMO.