4wd part time and full time?

[wkumale]

I Have a 96 xj 4.0 4WD

when i put it in 4wd a light come on that says PART TIME? what does this mean? Does this mean that i really DONT have 4wd? I dont get it. My buddy has a 90 xj limited and he has a transmisison that has 4wd part time and full time? Any help on this would be appreciated. I am sure that full time is better but what is thia part time all about?

thanks

TJ

[MT-2500]

What transfer case does it have?
Cherokee or grand Cherokee?
Part time front or rear drive shafts are unlocked. All 4 wheels divide the pull.
One end can be off ground and it will not pull or spin out on that end.
Full time the front shaft and rear shaft is locked together to pull on either front or rear drive shafts. Or runs in inter lock position in the transfer case.
You can have one end off the ground and the other end will still pull.
MT

[wkumale]

Its a cherokee but I dont know about the transfer case.. how can i tell what kind it is?

[MT-2500]

There should be a ID tag on the back of the transfer case.
MT

[Ray H]

Youve got a command trac NP231 transfer case. Its a part time transfer case. Part time means that its only designed to be in 4WD during slick conditions or if traveling in a straight line. You will notice that the drivetrain will bind while turning in high traction situations because the front and rear drive axles are mechanically locked together and turn the same RPMs.
Your friend has a Selectrac NP242 transfer case. It has a selection for fulltime 4WD. There is a differential within the transfer that allows the front and rear drive axles to turn independently of each other when in fulltime. This eliminates the binding and allows the vehicle to be driven in any conditions while in Fulltime. Nothing wrong with either t-case, the 242 does offer another traction options though (Fulltime). Its nice in conditions where the road has random icy or snowy patches or on slick wet roads. The 231 is generally prefered by the off road community because it has a better aftermarket following.

[wkumale]

Thanks to everyone that helped with this. I really appreciate everyone being so helpful with new guys like myself.


TJ