I had a similar problem where it would shift into reverse or drive but not go immediately. Or sometimes it would drop out of gear and you'd have to rev up to get it to fall back into gear. i replaced the transmission filter and it fixed the problem.
there is a possibility that your shift linkage is messed up. if not that then it is a sensor.
Will bolt up, but will not shift. The 1998 is controlled differently by the computer.
The shift solenoid is inside the transmission on the valve body.
It will bolt up, but it will not shift. 1997 is electric, 1994 is hydraulic
Have the ujoints inspected. As they get old and worn they will develop play and the reason it thumps is caused by the ujoint being at one side then you shift towards another direction and it switches sides essentially hitting and causing your thump.
The transmission shift solenoids are inside the transmission on the valve body.
You must stop,shift into neutral, then shift into 4x4 high/low and back into drive. To disengage, stop again, shift to neutral, then shift back in 2x4 and drive, for safety you should reverse about 10-15 feet to help disengage the shaft.
im having the same problem now as we speak. i was told it was the shift solenoid located in the transmission.
no only 93 grand Cherokees came with an aw4 an aw4 will have a p r n od 3 2-1 shift pattern
There are dozens of possible causes for stuck in first. They include, low fluid, speed sensor, pressure sensor, tps sensor, internal mechanical failure, shift linkage adjustment, etc.
The solenoids are inside the transmission, on top of the valve body.
P0783: 3-4 shift malfunction