Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Transfer Case: Drive Line Engaged in Neutral

[RJWEST]

Replacing Universals & Support Bearing;



Noticed That the front and rear driveshafts are engaged in Neutral

Position. The Front axle only disengages in 2H Position.

I know the trans is disengaged in Neutral position

( Tryed to move several times when not completly in 2H).



Is This normal, I thought there might be an adjustment problem, but did not seem to be any " inbetween" position where the front was disengaged,

just the 2H position.

 

[Misenheimer]

As far as I know all of the transfer cases are like that. To tow a Jeep you put the case in neutral and tow away but you are warned by Jeep not to tow with either set of wheels off the ground (tow dolly) or serious transfer case damage will occur. When in 2 hi the front shaft is free but the trans shaft will turn (bad on automatic).

 

[RJWEST]

Thanks for the reply,
I have a Truck camper loaded most of the time, and with a VP44 IP
I try to be prepared for the possible " Emergency tow ". I thought that with
a truck camper that loading the whole rig was not an option.
and assumed a front wheel lift with the transfer case in neutrel was the proper way to get towed.

Have to re think this,

If Transfer case in neutral & manuel trans in neutral front and rear drive shaft will turn, plus tail shaft of trans ( have locking hubs conversation so only
front diff will turn not wheels ).

Or : leave in 4h; and trans in neutral, Therefore only rear driveshaft and trans tail shaft will turn?

As you can see i'm confused at this point,

Help anyone...

 

[Misenheimer]

If you have a manual transmission then you can leave it in neutral with the transfer case in 4 hi and tow the truck without hurting the trans. There is a limit to how far it can be towed as the output shaft turns in the gears and will not pick up lubrication. The cluster gear turns when the engine is running and distributes the lube oil through the gear set and rear bearings. Jeep recommends (the only book that I can find to cover this subject) that you stop every 50 miles and run engine to lube things. I think that if a manual trans is towed with the front wheels clearing the ground that you would expect the trans fluid to get to the rear bearings and you could tow as far as needed.

 

[RJWEST]

Thanks, sounds logical.
4h and trans in neutral . .
Just seems strange that neutral on the transfer case would not disconnect the axles.