Transfer case options, differences, and how to properly use 4 wheel drive in the 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee.
In all model years, 4wd was standard on the Cherokee, with most of them having the Command-Trac system.
1984-1986: NP207
1987: Early models had an NP207, late models had the NP231
1988-2001: NP231
Selec-Trac was an optional upgrade which added an All Wheel Drive capability.
1984-1986: NP228/ NP229
1987-2001: NP242
Base model XJs could be packaged without 4wd, starting in mid 1985.
2wd (No Transfer Case): 1985-2001
Novak articles about each Transfer Case
NP207: https://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/transfer-cases/np207
NP228: https://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/transfer-cases/np2xx-early
NP231: https://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/transfer-cases/np231
NP242: https://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/transfer-cases/np242
Also seen in this video
Jayman0057: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcmEavjACrBve3kRkfiwspA
Bryant Sapp: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9pgdUMmiyUN7wk8uxLwNYg
Footage from V8AmericanMuscleCar: https://youtu.be/HBfkCzyPxXg
How a Transfer Case Works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1c81r25VfGU
00:00 Video Start
00:41 Driveline Differences
01:15 Transfer Case Options
02:05 Basic Principle of Transfer Case Funtion
02:25 2wd
02:41 4wd Part Time
05:58 Neutral
06:40 4wd Low Gear
08:24 Summary
08:42 4wd Full Time
11:19 Year Changes
12:08 Input Shaft Length
13:19 Fluid Type
13:36 Epilogue
2WD Should be used the vast majority of the time, and is the only mode that should be used on dry pavement as without the engine powering the front axle, it saves a little on gas mileage.
4HI Part Time Should only be used where the wheels are allowed to slip, like in dirt, mud, sand, deep snow or other off-road situation. NEVER USE PART TIME ON ROADS. 4HI will get you out of most situations. If you are stuck, try 4HI first, and if that isn't working then try 4LO. In owning Jeeps for my entire driving career, I've only ever had to use 4LO twice.
4HI Full Time (If Equipped) Should only be used in snow or ice, but it can be used on any road surface. It functions exactly like AWD.
Neutral is for Flat-Towing the Jeep, behind an RV or out of the Grand Canyon.
4LO is for crawling up cliffsides, or rescuing your dumb friends from ditches when they overestimated their Subaru's ability to traverse wet terrain. 4LO cannot be used at any speed over 25MPH, and realistically you should keep it below 10MPH/ in first or second gear. 4LO Can only be engaged with the Transmission in Neutral, with the Jeep either rolling very slowly (Less than 3MPH) or at a stop. The same applies for shifting out of 4LO.
The Transfer Cases may sometimes get stuck in 4wd. Tap the gas a time or two and it should slide out. To help alleviate this problem, you can change the transfer case fluid or install an Azzy Linkage: https://www.azzysdesignworks.com/shop/p/xj-linkage
What Rear Axle do you have?: https://youtu.be/jDWZhzDSWlQ
What Front Axle do you have?: https://youtu.be/EmvDHe9RJpk
Up Next: Thermostat - https://youtu.be/UDM_VxsdbtM