What's the easiest way to test if transfer case works?

[Hotrod1967]

I recently purchased a 2003 TJ Sport with the 4.0 L and a 5 speed. It is a work in progress but runs well and body is in good shape. It has a metal cloak 3.5” lift. They guy I bought it from told me the 4 wheel drive didn’t work. When I got under it I noticed the transfer case linkage was missing. It drives fine in 2wd. No grinding or whining. My hope is that they just forgot to reconnect the linkage after putting in the lift. What is the easiest way to test the transfer case? Does anyone know what linkage and adapter I need to reconnect it? I’ll take some underneath pics tomorrow.

Thanks!

 

[Chris]

There's a chance it's just missing the linkage and that's all you need to get it working (in which case, you'd be stupid not to just upgrade to a Savvy cable shifter at that point).

You can actually shift the transfer case manually by dropping the skid plate and messing with the lever coming from the case itself. You could do it while the vehicle was off, get it in 4WD (assuming it works) and then turn it on and take it for a quick spin down the street (slowly) to make sure it works.

Lights on the dash should light up to tell you if it's in 4WD as well.

 

[Hotrod1967]

Thanks for the advice. Do the wheels need to be free to shift it by hand? If it hasn’t been shifted for a while how much torque would you expect it to take? I like the cable idea.

Thanks
Scott

 

[Brianj5600]

I'm sure that a Savvy cable is very nice, but I doubt it shifts $180 better than a stock linkage. You could probably get free stock linkage for shipping cost from someone on here. Jeeps absorb a lot of money if you are not careful. Prioritize what you want and what you need.

 

[JMT]

Jeep wheels do not need to be off the ground to shift the linkage by hand. You should be able to do it without dropping the TCase. I installed the Savvy cable shifter with the TCase on. If you don’t have a body lift, you could just find a stock linkage. They’re clumsy, but work. Savvy is better, of course. The TCase probably works fine. I hope so for your sake

 

[BuildBreakRepeat]

I'm sure that a Savvy cable is very nice, but I doubt it shifts $180 better than a stock linkage. You could probably get free stock linkage for shipping cost from someone on here. Jeeps absorb a lot of money if you are not careful. Prioritize what you want and what you need.

Eh I’d say it’s about $150 better than the stock one, you’re right maybe not $180

 

[707kevin]

Thanks for the advice. Do the wheels need to be free to shift it by hand? If it hasn’t been shifted for a while how much torque would you expect it to take? I like the cable idea.

Try it parked, it can take a bit. It's a short lever and a clunky movement. If it feels like it's trying but won't quite go, roll the jeep forward or back a few inches and try again.

 

[Jeanfi007]

Hello,
I had the same thing.
Check that the stock linkage is not disengaged.
You look below and you'll see if that's it.

 

[Flivver250]

Eh I’d say it’s about $150 better than the stock one, you’re right maybe not $180

I'd go out on a limb and say $175 better.

 

[Hotrod1967]

Transfer case update. I put it on a flat surface, blocked the wheels loosely and tried to shift it by hand. This time it popped into 4 high no problem. Took it around the block and worked flawlessly. Gonna order that linkage cable. Thanks guys!

 

[Hotrod1967]

Does anyone have the bolt sizes to mount the Savvy Off Road shifter cable?

 

[Hotrod1967]

I bought this Jeep with a 3.5” metalcloak lift. It doesn’t look like my transfer case linkage brackets have been dropped. Can any of you guys tell from my pics above if the stock linkage would still fit?

 

[Hotrod1967]

Should the brackets be level or are they staggered a bit stock?

Thanks,
Scott

 

[Sunder]

I have the Novak cable shifter.
Absolutely one of the best things I've installed. If you have a lift, (or even if you don't), the cable shifter is far superior to the stock linkage IMO.

I have no experience or opinion on the other brands of cable shifters - but I imagine they're all better than the stock linkage.
Pulling the lever and having it work the 1st time is so much better than the multiple attempt fussing with the stock linkage.
You're already halfway done the install with the stock linkage out. I'd bit the bullet and install a cable shifter.

 

[flyinfish]

Does anyone have the bolt sizes to mount the Savvy Off Road shifter cable?

The Savvy Transfer Case shift cable comes with the brackets and all hardware.
My transfer case lever was always stiff and I had to work at it to get it to shift. After installing the Savvy shifter cable it shifted like a hot knife through butter! Money well spent!

231 Transfer Case Shift Cable

241 Transfer Case Shift Cable

 

[xxdabroxx]

I was thinking that might have been done because someone only regeared the rear axle. Looks like OP lucked out though.