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96 Cherokee--Part-time? Full-time?

Hi, all...

I've had 4WD drive vehicles before, but they've all been equipped with manual hubs, so I hope you'll pardon my ignorance on what is probably a very simple topic. I just bought a 1996 Cherokee, the first I've ever owned. It's got an auto tranny (so my girlfriend can drive it), the 4.0-liter engine, and of course automatic hubs.

The lever that shifts it into 4WD has a setting that I don't understand, namely the Part-time 4WD. What is that for, and how does it affect operation? (No, the damn thing didn't come with an owner's manual, I really don't want to buy one just now, and the Hayne's manual doesn't really address it.) Why would you choose part-time 4WD operation as opposed to full-time?

I'm assuming this thing is supposed to be shifted on-the-fly. If not, I hope I didn't screw anything up this weekend while playing in the snow.

Thanks for any and all answers, folks!

Carl

Reply to
cl
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Part time 4WD is for use on dirt, heavy snow and other surfaces where the wheels can dig in and slip a bit. Front and rear axels are locked, so it is NOT for use on paved roads that are simply wet, for example. Using Part Time on paved surfaces will destroy the transfer case pronto.

You may or may not also have Full Time 4WD, depending on the transfer case in your Jeep. Command Track is part time only, Select Track has both Full Time and Part Time. Both transfer cases also have 2WD, netural and 4WDlo, which is Part Time with a lower gear ratio. With Select Track, the Full Time (green) position can be used at any time, and is handy on wet roads. Some folks keep it in Full Time all the time, but I find it annoying in places that require tight turns, like parking lots.

I'm sure others will chime in, but that's the basic theory.

Regards,

DAve

Reply to
DaveW

OK, thanks!

Yes, mine does have a Full-time position also, hence my confusion. I was interpreting them wrong, though, and your information probably saved me lots of money.

Thanks again!

Reply to
cl

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