4X4 won't engage

[mx3_ryder]

Just acquired a 2002 liberty limited 3.7 and the 4x4 will not lock in.
When the lever is pulled it just goes into what feels like neutral when I take off.
Any suggestions? Vehicle has 190,000 miles and are there any things I should look for
when I go through it? Also, how is the long term reliability of these vehicles?
First things that jump out it needs are exhaust leak fixed, 4X4 fixed, and shocks.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

What mode of 4WD are you putting it into?

 

[mx3_ryder]

What mode of 4WD are you putting it into?

Full lock

 

[Jo6pak]

4 high or 4 low?

If you are trying to put it into 4 low, you need to have the transmission in neutral and be rolling slowly forward to get it to engage.
Owner's manual is your friend.

For 4 high, it should click in and out without much effort.

Also best to turn off overdrive when using 4wd.

As for longevity, as with anything it depends on how it has been cared for up until now. Fix things as soon as you can after noticing them. Keep up on general maintenance like oil/filter, diffs, transmission fluids, etc. and she will be good to you.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[CactusJacked]

The retainer clip and bushing at your shifter (beneath the console cover) may have come off/broken. The cable end may still be in place on the shaft, but with the bushing missing, you won't have full range motion at the transfer case, which would explain why the transfer case is only making it to neutral on you. Look from underneath the Jeep while somebody else works the shifter, and watch how much, or little the cable and arm at the transfer case moves.

 

[mx3_ryder]

Shift lever does feel weird like its binding on that bushing you referred to and not pulling the cable. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[mx3_ryder]

Well the reason I don't have 4x4 is because there is no front drive shaft. I believe the transfer case is no good as well and thats why the shaft was removed. The only gear that seems to lock is 4 low. Any thoughts on how to check transfer case? In part time and full time the yolk just moves freely.

 

[tommudd]

If you just bought it I would be going back to raise some H with someone. False advertising selling you a 4 wheel drive that doesn't really have it without a driveshaft

 

[mx3_ryder]

If you just bought it I would be going back to raise some H with someone. False advertising selling you a 4 wheel drive that doesn't really have it without a driveshaft

Auction vehicle

 

[CactusJacked]

ebay, or other online auction where you're buying blindly, or at a live auction where you could have inspected it?

 

[tjkj2002]

Well the reason I don't have 4x4 is because there is no front drive shaft. I believe the transfer case is no good as well and thats why the shaft was removed. The only gear that seems to lock is 4 low. Any thoughts on how to check transfer case? In part time and full time the yolk just moves freely.

With the 242 t-case you really need both yokes moving to properly and fully shift into part time and full time 4wd as it's not a direct shift t-case,it uses springs and check balls.Sounds like the driveshaft(t-case end CV joint) failed and they removed instead of repairing/replacing.Also if the t-case has not been shifted in a long time it can be very sticky,more so for the 242 t-case.


Without the front shaft you will go nowhere in full time 4wd but you should move in part time and 4 low since it "locks" the center diff in the t-case.

 

[mx3_ryder]

With the 242 t-case you really need both yokes moving to properly and fully shift into part time and full time 4wd as it's not a direct shift t-case,it uses springs and check balls.Sounds like the driveshaft(t-case end CV joint) failed and they removed instead of repairing/replacing.Also if the t-case has not been shifted in a long time it can be very sticky,more so for the 242 t-case.


Without the front shaft you will go nowhere in full time 4wd but you should move in part time and 4 low since it "locks" the center diff in the t-case.

First thing i'm going to do is buy and install new driveshaft and go from there. I found many t cases on ebay for around $175.00 w/free ship if it comes to that. Thanks!!

 

[mx3_ryder]

So turns out I can get both part time and low 4x4 to lock in transfercase so chances are all I may need is the driveshaft. I purchased vehicle from public auction and was initially going to purchase a GMC Envoy and came home with a liberty. Never saw the Liberty in the lot, so didn't get a chance to inspect other than it drove in and looked super clean outside and in, had 190,000 miles and motor was not making any noises and had brand new winter tires. All the other vehicles I was interested in I was able to inspect and drive outside in the lot, but this one caught my eye when it came in and I knew my wife liked Liberty's as this purchase was for her. So things i've done so far are new front rotors and pads, adjusted rear shoes, radiator and thermostat, new muffler and tailpipe. Shocks turned out to be good just not used to the harsher ride over the railroad tracks. All steering components and wheel bearings are good and the steering is super tight in the vehicle. So next on the list is front driveshaft and a spare tire cover. Cross my fingers on the transfercase!! :laughing1:

 

[tommudd]

Good luck on it, hope thats all it is, more than likely the rear boot went south and the CV was making noise so they just removed it.
Harsher ride is from bad suspension, upgrade to a good set of springs and shocks and it will float over bumps and RR tracks

 

[mx3_ryder]

Good luck on it, hope thats all it is, more than likely the rear boot went south and the CV was making noise so they just removed it.
Harsher ride is from bad suspension, upgrade to a good set of springs and shocks and it will float over bumps and RR tracks

What do you recommend on shocks and spring combo for a comfortable ride? Suspension that's currently in it just feels stiff, doesn't feel wishy washy or lean even the slightest around corners and is fairly smooth on semi bumpy roads

 

[HoosierJeeper]

http://www.jeepkj.com/forum/f203/lift-faq-read-before-asking-questions-47137/

If you like the stock height- go OME light duty or if you want some lift go for the Medium duty or heavy duty. All will ride great. Shocks maybe use Bilstiens or OME shocks.

 

[tommudd]

Ironman complete setup is a good ride and handling as well

 

[CzarKJ]

Ironman complete setup is a good ride and handling as well

I really like my ironman setup. Slightly higher and rides great!


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