242 transfer case problem

[Bill Withers]

Hello. I have a 2005 renegade 3.7 with 242 transfer case. My problem is the shifter or gears are in the wrong order. 2wd, 4hi, then 4low and neutral, instead of 2wd,4hi,neutral,4low. It appears to have a replaced transfer case. I don’t know if this is even possible.

 

[sota]

(242 has 5 positions
2hi
4hi FT
4hi PT
N
4L

you sure it's hitting 4L right after 4H? it could be a poorly adjusted cable, broken end(s), or something else.
you can crawl up under the rig and see the tag clearly and easily.

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also sometimes it can be difficult to get into 4L, so if you're having troubles let the jeep roll VERY SLOWLY to aid engagement.

 

[Bill Withers]

On this liberty the cable is not adjustable and only 4 positions.
I just took it up in the mountains and it is definitely going from 4pt as indicated on the dash gauges into 4L and then into neutral.
I guess it’s possible that this transfer case was replaced and the shifter does not match. Plus the ****** temp light came on and it’s smelled pretty hot.
I was driving in 4H in drive about 15 mph.

 

[sota]

First, verify which t-case you have by visual inspection.
Second, the t-case lights on the dash can be wrong; the position switch on the t-case fails and causes weird results. Luckily these being mechanical shifting units, the lights have no actual effect on t-case functionality.
Third, you need to verify the condition of the cable ends; they too are prone to failure as they're the same moronic bushing design Chrysler used on a bunch of cable actuated manual transmission cars. Which reminds me, I should see if the Booger Bushing kits I have here would replace those stock bushings.

 

[Bill Withers]

I do have a 242 case, after further research this jeep came with a 231. So the shifter is only has 4 positions, i ordered a 5 position shifter and it should be here in a week. I'll replace it and go from there. Thanks.

 

[Bill Withers]

Sota, you have a yoke adapter on your transfer case, what does that do exactly?
I replaced both rear u-joints with hd moogs, but I still get a clunk noise when I'm coasting then I accelerate.
It seems like I have a little play in the driveline.

 

[sota]

that's not my t-case; just a random web picture I found.
the lever itself is irrelevant to the number of positions; it's just a sticker on it. the actual part with the detents is inside the transfer case.
if you're only getting 4 out of 5 distinct notches, regardless of what the stickers or lights tell you, then something else is wrong.

 

[JasonJ]

that's not my t-case; just a random web picture I found.
the lever itself is irrelevant to the number of positions; it's just a sticker on it. the actual part with the detents is inside the transfer case.
if you're only getting 4 out of 5 distinct notches, regardless of what the stickers or lights tell you, then something else is wrong.

Yep, which makes the new purchase of a "5 position" shifter a very expensive way to get a new sticker on the handle.

The range of motion and the physical levers are the same... the positions and detents, as has been said repeatedly, is inside the transfer case and dictated by it's design, not the lever that pulls the cable.