4x4 on 89 jeep cherokee laredo

SOURCE: 1993 jeep grand cherokee laredo 4 wheel drive

I'm not absolutely sure on the tire size for the jeep itself, but I think they are 225/65/R15's. Not absolutely sure.

As for the noise, from your explanation, it sounds like the transfer case is under a heavy bind. Take it off of the road in some grass or dirt and then move it forward a few feet then simply hit reverse. Don't move much maybe an inch and it may release the bind. Once you get the bind off the transfer case, it should slip out of 4wd, unless there is damage in the case/shifter itself.

When operating four wheel drives, with tires of different sizes it causes extreme stress on the gearing in the transfer case. Larger tires don't turn the axles as much as smaller tires. So, this causes stress in the driveline as the front is actually turning slower then the rear. In turn, this will put so much pressure on the gears that it could cause damage and the shifting mechanism will not work correctly to pull it out of 4wd engagement.

Try those ideas, and see if you can get it out of 4WD. Definitely put four tires on the jeep that are all the same size. This will keep you from having excessive stress on the transfer case and gearing therein.

I hope this helps out buddy.

SOURCE: my four wheel drive shifter

Assuming that you have had your vehicle for some time and have used the 4x4 option sucessfully before the problem arose, the most common thing I've seen with these is either frozen linkage(from rust, especially if not used very much), linkage not adjusted properly,or low fluid level in the transfer case. Spray all the linkage with a good solvent, and check fluid.Most units work best when rolling at about 10-15mph while attempting to engage. If you can't get it to engage, then you may have a more serious problem. Any grinding, or just not engaging?

SOURCE: 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo wont drive when put into gear

No, not with out a lot of work. Electronics are most likely different on the 2 also.