switching transfer case and back

[mike_b]

Making progress with my TJ. I towed it behind my RV a couple of times, and it behaves well. One thing I am not sure about is the best way to put it into "toad mode" and back. In the manual it says: put in neutral (Auto transmission), put transfer case into neutral, test that car does not move in reverse and forward gear, put transmission in Park. "
That works fine. The reverse (getting out of toad mode) has me wondering. When I did that last time, I tried to be very careful, as I know that the gears are not synchronized. So, I put the transmission in Neutral, put the transfer case into 2WD, and started the engine. When I then tried to move the gear shifter into reverse, a heard a loud grinding noise from the transfer case. I immediately turned of the engine, did the whole procedure again, and this time it was fine. My guess is that the gears were not engaged and were just grinding each other.
Is there a "best way" to do this?
Also, when I bought the TJ (used), the seller told me that you can switch from 2WD to 4WD and back while driving. This experience makes me wonder if that is correct. Can I do that?
And last question: Does the TJ lock the differentials when in 4WD?

 

[freedom_in_4low]

you probably just weren't all the way into 2WD when you put the transmission in reverse. The whole point is to put the transfer case in gear while the transmission output shaft is not spinning (park or neutral) but can allow the gear teeth to line up as it goes in (only neutral allows for this).

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Yes the correct way to flat tow your Wrangler is with your transmission in either Park or in gear, not Neutral, and the transfer case in Neutral.

 

[Kid Mechanic]

…with my TJ.
… the TJ (used),
… Does the TJ

Fill out the description of your vehicle in your profile.
You will get more answers than the amount of questions asked, probably before you even ask.

 

[LONGJP2]

Also, when I bought the TJ (used), the seller told me that you can switch from 2WD to 4WD and back while driving. This experience makes me wonder if that is correct. Can I do that?
And last question: Does the TJ lock the differentials when in 4WD?

Yes, you can shift from 2WD to 4WD (and back) at any speed. Not the case for 4 Low.

No, differentials do not lock automatically in 4WD. Additionally, only Rubicons come with locking differentials from the factory (still, not auto locking).