i just got my first long waited xj and spacificly wanted 4wd but it doesnt work. linkage is all conected i put it on a lift put it in 4h and the wheels nor the driveshaft mover so i think its my t-case but i found a detached vacume line on the front diff. could this be the problem? or am i looking at a junk transfercase?

Since some of the XJs use vacuum to activate the front differentialm I would reconnect the vacuum line and check all the others to ensure they are good and then try it again. Also make sure that you do have it in 4H as there is also a Nuetral on the t-case.

Normally if the t=case is bad, you would not be able to shift it into 4H.

i checked and it is not in N is there a breather line on the t-case or have i found another disconected line and do you have any idea where the vacume line may conect? maybe the line i found on the t-case i also found a spot on the intake?

On my daughter's 90 Cherokee we have a broken ring & pinion set in the front differential. That's another possibility.

Stodden...on your year I would check the vaccum system first.

Start here:
http://www.lunghd.com/Tech_Articles/Quick_Cheap_and_Leftover_Tips/AxleDiscoFix.htm

There have been other posts and links on this forum also.