4x4 won't engage

[Yfzryder450]

I just bought my first xj it wasn't running I got it started an running good but took it out today to play a little bit....when I tryed to lock it in the t case engaged an the drive line was spinning at the dif but would not lock in high or low....it's a 97 an any info would be greatly appreciated

[cantab27]

hi mate ...have ya had a jeep before...might sound silly but how did you engage 4wd ..what did it take to get her running again...

[Yfzryder450]

Yeah I had a wrangler before this an iv had 4x4s my whole life I tryed several different things an the tcase engaged but the dif would not

[Yfzryder450]

And the wiring was butcherd an it was missing the power steering pump is why it wouldn't run an that's why I was wondering if it could be the actuator switch...an if I'm not mistaken it screws in the t case?

[4.3LXJ]

Does that 97 have a vacuum disconnect on the axel?

[Yfzryder450]

Yes it does

[nickxj94]

Linkages in a bind maybe, the 97 shouldn't have vac disco unless someone swapped it out for one, the front shaft will spin all the time even in 2x4 so will the axle shafts

[Yfzryder450]

Well it's defiantly gettin the lower gear ratio when you put it in so I belive the t case is going in if it had the vac disconnect wouldn't it be on the passenger side like or could that be something else

[4.3LXJ]

Kory, you are not supposed to have a disconnect. Unless the transfer case has been changed too, you cannot engage it with what you have. If it is not engaged, it will not allow you to have 4WD

[Yfzryder450]

Ok well it does have the vacuums actuater if thats whats on the axle which is the only thing that should be there right? I could be wrong on the year or it may have been swapped I'm not sure..the t case stick shifts smooth an stays in every position as it should

[4.3LXJ]

There should be a vacuum switch on the back of the transfer case along with a collection o f tubes that go to the front axle

[Yfzryder450]

The switch should have four wires? An is the switch a common problem?

[4.3LXJ]

If it is for the vacuum disconnect it will have four vacuum hoses that look like colored wires

[Yfzryder450]

Ok well I figured out its a 90 An should I try replacing the switch?

[prcjeep]

I think what most people do when the switch is out is to swap out that axle shaft with one from a later dana 30. Im not sure what year, but the shaft from one without the vacuum disconnect should swap right in