Our 96 Larado with 178K miles will not shift from 2WD to anything! It's like the floor shift handle is frosen.

I'm not that familular with the operations of the transfer case. So where should I start to trouble shoot this problem?
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

Linkage...always linkage!
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

a small interposition, larado indicates the trim package, not the Jeep model. Do you have a Wrangler or Cherokee? Doesn't really matter for this question, however. The NV231 transfer case is the most common ... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Sorry, It's a Cherokee Larado

have you had it in 4 before, or is this the 1st time since you have owned it?

It's been probably 6 - 8 months since we last used it in 4WD

i believe the NP231 was stock on 1987-06 wranglers and 1987-01 cherokees, like was was stated before id start with the linkage, but i have my own question, my 97 wrangler says you can put it in 4hi at any time but my friends 88 cherokee says it must be in nuetral to put in 4hi, if its the same transfer case what makes it different?

With the 96, the jeep needs to be moving to shift into gears. It's curently in 2WD, and will not shift into anything.. Looks as if I'll start with the linkage, and go from there!

There is no difference.. In the belief that inexperienced drivers may have the rear wheels spinning in mud and attempt to put into 4hi while one axle is spinning faster than the other axel is why that was inserted in the manual..
All 4x4's can be shifted in and out if both axles are running the same speed.
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Sometimes, you have to shift the transfer case shifter on the NV231 when the tranny is in neutral. I believe this is what BJ is telling you above. The Jeep doesn't have to be moving to shift between 2WD and 4WD. Howver, you can shift between 2WD and 4WD even at highway speeds. At real low speeds, like 3 mph, you can shift between 4WDHi and 4WDLo range. However, it's best to come to a complete stop, shift the tranny to neutral, and then shift from 4WDH to 4WDL. If you have a owners manual, look it up! NV231 is the same operationally in all Jeep products. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />