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[Tim Martin]

Hi, newbie question time. I have just bought a 1994 xj 4.0 auto. The previous owner had it 14 years and kept it in 2WD all the time... Can anyone see any problems putting it into 4WD now ? I would prefer get a mechanic to check it than damage it in my first week of ownership. Thanks, Tim

[gazjeep]

It wont hurt it to have the fluid level checked & replaced completely first but as with all things like this, drive it around to get it warm first & then park up some where you are happy to leave it (i.e. your drive) should it take a dislike to the process.

Make sure the main box is in Nuetral before changing to 4WD.

Should be OK but probably very stiff, I know mine was. The more you do it the easier it should get.

Just go through all the positions & drive it a little in 4WD hi, then try 4WD low BUT only either on loose ground so it can slip when the wheels are turned or in a straight line on tarmac or you will damage it.

[BK]

If you put it in 4wd and you cant get it back out again,try reversing it up or driving in a figure of 8 that usually does it,but as said change the oils in the tranny box 1st it wont harm it....dont put it in 4wd part time on tarmac ffs

[cully]

Just another question concerning this, as I don't think mine has ever been in 4wd -- is it better to drive constantly in 4wd and if so , does it affect fuel consumption much , if at all ? --cheers btw mine is a 96 4l xj

[tim_aka_tim]

Up to you. Make sure you use Full Time 4wd and it'll be fine. It will be about 1mpg worse.

[gazjeep]

Just my opinion but I had mine in 4WD for 3.1/2 years, it just drove so much better in my opinion, weighted up the steering a little, personal taste I suppose.

Thing with an XJ is that everything is still turning anyway IIRC even in 2WD as it does not have free wheeling hubs etc  

[scrw]

It will be about 1mpg worse.

Had 5 XJs and every one did the same mpg in 4wd & 2wd. You will save on tyres tho, no wheel spin pulling away in 4wd. Also much more stable at motorway speed in 4wd