Login to enhance your online experience. Login or Create an Account
Logo
Shopping Cart

Shopping Cart 0 Items (Empty)

Jeep Wrangler TJ 1998-1999 repair manual download

Tools & supplies
- Basic metric socket set (8–19 mm), ratchet, extensions
- Combination wrenches (8–15 mm)
- Needle‑nose pliers, slip‑joint pliers
- Flat screwdriver and small pick tool
- Long pry bar or trim tool (for grommet)
- Penetrating oil (PB Blaster or similar)
- Hammer and brass drift (if stuck)
- Torque wrench (0–100 ft‑lb range)
- Jack, 2 quality jack stands, wheel chocks
- Work light
- Gloves, safety glasses
- Replacement parts: correct shift/transfer case cable for your TJ year (OEM or aftermarket), new cable mounting bushings/grommet(s), new retaining clips/cotter pins if applicable, optional new console boot
- Rags, grease or anti‑seize

Safety first
- Work on a level surface. Chock rear wheels and set parking brake.
- Support vehicle with jack stands under frame rails — never rely on the jack alone.
- Wear eye protection and gloves. Have a helper if possible (easier to align).
- If you’ll be working under a hot engine/transmission, let it cool.
- Disconnect battery if you’ll be inside the shifter area with exposed wiring or if you might crank the engine during testing.

Overview / notes
- TJ years 1997–2006: most common job is replacing the transfer‑case shift cable (shifter to transfer case) or the transmission shifter cable. Procedure is the same conceptually: remove interior connection at shifter, unbolt/undo cable routing under vehicle, remove old cable, feed and secure new cable, then adjust/verify. I’ll use “cable” to mean the shift cable assembly and show which tools you use at each step.

Step‑by‑step procedure
1) Prep and initial setting
- Put shifter in neutral (or the transfer case in its neutral/mid position if you can). Mark the shifter position with tape if helpful so you can return to it.
- Spray penetrating oil on visible cable mounting bolts, clips and pivot studs under vehicle. Let soak.

2) Remove interior trim to access shifter cable connection
- Remove center console pieces and the shifter boot/trim to expose the cable end and retaining clip.
- Use a flat screwdriver and pick tool to remove the plastic retainer/clip that secures the cable to the shifter lever. Pliers or needle‑nose often remove the retaining clip by squeezing and sliding off.

How tool is used: use the pick to pry the clip out of its groove gently; needle‑nose to pull it free. Keep the clip for reference or replace with a new one.

3) Disconnect cable at the shifter
- With the clip removed, pull the cable end off the shifter spindle. Note how the cable seat/bushing fits on the lever — take pictures if unsure.

4) Unbolt cable brackets and free cable
- Crawl under the vehicle (supported on stands). Trace the cable from the firewall to the transfer case/transmission.
- Using socket/ratchet and appropriate extension, remove bracket bolts that hold the cable to the body. Keep track of any washers/plates.
- Use pliers to remove any spring clips, cotter pins or clevis pins at the transmission/transfer case lever. If a retaining clip is rusted, apply penetrating oil and work it back and forth before removing. Use hammer and brass drift only if necessary; avoid damaging the lever.

How tool is used: socket and ratchet remove bolts; needle‑nose pliers pull cotter pins; long screwdriver/pry bar can help pop the clevis off its pin once pins are removed.

5) Remove cable from firewall grommet
- Pry the rubber grommet out where the cable passes through the floor/firewall. A flat screwdriver or trim tool works — be careful not to tear surrounding metal paint. Note orientation of grommet and any foam seals.

6) Remove old cable assembly
- Pull the cable free from inside and outside the vehicle. Compare new cable to old one to confirm length, bracket locations and end fittings.

7) Install new grommet/bushings and route new cable
- Fit new rubber grommet into floor/firewall hole first. Lubricate grommet lightly with soapy water or grease to ease cable feed.
- Route new cable following exactly the original path—avoid sharp bends, rubbing points and heat sources. Ensure the cable housing seats fully in each bracket grommet/bushing location.
- Install any new mounting bushings in the brackets before bolting.

How tool is used: use your hands to feed cable; ratchet/socket tighten bracket bolts snugly—don’t fully tighten until final alignment.

8) Connect cable to transfer case/transmission lever
- Fit the cable end onto the lever clevis/pin. Insert pin and secure with supplied snap clip or cotter pin. Use pliers to bend/seat the cotter pin or snap ring pliers for retaining rings.
- Torque bracket bolts to snug (see notes below about torque). Do not overtighten rubber‑mounted brackets.

9) Connect cable to shifter inside
- Feed cable through interior hole into cabin and slide the end onto the shifter lever. Reinstall the shifter retainer clip or new clip supplied.
- Reinstall shifter boot and console trim.

10) Adjust cable alignment and secure
- For transfer case cable: put shifter in neutral (or appropriate 4WD selector neutral). With shifter centered and cable installed, tighten the cable clamp/bracket under the vehicle so there is no preload—cable should have a little free play in neutral. The goal is that when you move the interior shifter to each position, the transfer case lever moves exactly to corresponding detents.
- For transmission cable: some cables have an adjuster barrel or clamp. Set shifter to neutral, place transmission in neutral (or follow service manual procedure), and tighten adjuster so shifter and transmission match positions.
- Tighten all bracket bolts to the correct torque (factory manual values if available). Typical small bracket bolts are 10–30 ft‑lb range — consult factory manual for exact torque.

How tool is used: use the torque wrench to tighten bolts to spec; use ratchet for initial snugging.

11) Test operation
- With vehicle still safely on stands, start engine and cycle through gears / 4WD modes. For transfer case: with vehicle running and parking brake on, engage 4WD (shift through positions) and confirm transfer case lever moves and front drive engages/disengages (if necessary check hubs). For transmission cable: shift through gears and ensure smooth selection and accurate gear indication.
- Drive slowly in a safe area and verify proper operation in all positions. Re‑check bracket bolts and retaining clips after a short test drive.

Common pitfalls & how to avoid them
- Pinching cable or routing over sharp edges — always follow original routing and use rubber grommets/bushings.
- Reusing old worn grommets — replace them. Old grommets cause sloppy feel and premature wear.
- Not aligning neutral positions before tightening — leads to mis‑shift and inability to engage gears properly. Always match shifter and lever neutral positions before final tightening.
- Forgetting to replace small clips/pins — replace cotter pins and retaining clips; they’re cheap and critical.
- Relying only on the jack — always use jack stands. Many injuries happen from that mistake.
- Overtightening bracket bolts into rubber bushings — tighten snug but not crushing; rubber should isolate vibration.
- Not testing while the vehicle is safe and supported — always verify while you can access bolts again if adjustment needed.

If removal is difficult
- Apply penetrating oil the night before.
- Heat around stuck bolts carefully (torch or heat gun) only if safe — avoid heat near fuel or wiring.
- Use a breaker bar for rusty bolts, and use a nut‑splitter or replace bracket if hardware snaps.

Replacement parts required
- Exact shift cable assembly for your TJ model/year (transfer case vs transmission cable—confirm part number).
- New rubber grommet(s)/bushings for firewall and bracket mounts (often sold with cable).
- New retaining clips/cotter pins if original are corroded (many kits include these).
- Optional: new shifter boot, console trim if damaged.

Final notes
- If you’re unsure of the exact neutral positions or adjustment procedure for your specific TJ year and transfer case (e.g., NV231, NP231), consult the factory service manual for exact alignment procedure and torque specs.
- After installation and road test, re‑inspect all clips and bolts for tightness and ensure no rubbing or unusual noises.

Done.
rteeqp73

You Might Also Like...

Kryptronic Internet Software Solutions