the front end free wheels all the time intill transfer case is locked.The transmission DOES shift hard and I have changed the filter in it.I got it from a guy who got it from someone who didn't take care of it.It is my every day driver and is very reliable. Just got to get the kinks out of it. I have replaced the transmission mount,one motor mount,sensors,rearend,rear wire harness,key switch,U-joints,and transfer case.