tj 4wd system

[sssboi]

Hey guys, just trying to find out some info on how the TJ's 4wd system works. When 4Hi or 4Lo is engaged, are any of the diffs locked? How is the power transferred? If the diffs aren't locked, why can't the TJ 4wd on dry pavement?

[fil]

Tj has no center diff in the transfer case, it cannot differentiate drive between the front and rear axles. This is why it cannot 4wd on pavement.
Essentially due to this the tcase is locked, unlike a vehicle that is full time 4wd that has a center diff in the tcase, some have the option of a selectable center diff lock.
Don't confuse a center diff lock with a cross axle diff lock.
Center diff lock is in the transfer case
axle diff lock is in the front and/or rear differential itself.
Make sense?

[motas]

No diffs are locked. The transfer case has gears in it that turn the front driveshaft. When you shift into 4wd it locks the front driveshaft to the rear and gearbox. When you drive on hard surfaces the front a rear wheels will be moving slightly different speeds which binds everything up.