1988 Jeep Cherokee when put in 4wd hi or lo, it makes a grinding noise. The transfer case does not pop out nor is the chain jumping teeth. It sounds like metal grinding on metal.

Other than U-joints in axles and the driveshaft does anyone else have any ideas?

 

I also have that when i put it in 4wd. In 2wd all is fine when finetunig the lever a bit.
I think the grinding-noise could be the shiftlinkages that needs adjusment or the load you put on the front-axle when in 4wd makes a bearing a bit noisy...? (if there is a bearing somewhere down there, i dont know)

Anyone else some ideas?

 

Have either of you guys ever checked your transfer case fluid level/condition?

 

I discovered my noise is the shaft coming out of the front of the transfer case that connects to the drive shaft. The front output shaft?? Anyways I happened to have a spare np231 laying around I'll through in tomorrow.

 

fluid is happy!

 

check your center axle disconnect as well. sounds have a tendency to sound like the are are coming from somewhere else. if the CAD does not fully connect it can sound like that also.

 

We're one for two then.

 

Cruiser, this '88 I have has an 231 AMC, at least that what it looked like the tag said from my view. I have an 231 J laying around. Anyway to make this happen without costing me more than its worth?

 

Not sure but I believe the J has 23 splines vs 21 on your AMC.

Those with more experience in this area will hopefully chime in soon.

 

Again, as everyone else said, how's the fluid in the front diff? I changed the fluid in my front d30 and my 8.25 rear this weekend. I sanded and painted the covers when they were off.

 

the front driveline has a cv alot of times the center yolk goes out and causes the driveshaft go bad your drive line is 19 inches from weld to weld its 1310 all the way through and i stock them

 

Ahh yes the "Shameless" first post plug. LOL