When using my 4WD (4-hi speed part time) it seems to lurch a little when turning and going slow, almost like you were rolling on a flat.

It doesn't make any noise, or have any problem making normal turns at regular speed. And it's not just when the wheel is cut all the way to one side.

I'd say it happens starting when you've turned the wheel about half way to either side, and going fairly slow (of course I don't cut the wheel that far at any real speed, so...).

While I understand cutting the wheel all the way might do this in 4WD, as the wheels are 'connected' and not all turning at the same amount or speed. But should it do this when the wheel is moderately turned, but not all the way? If not, what problem does this indicate?

2000 XJ 4x4, stock.

 

Sounds normal.
Why are you using 4wd on hard ground?

 

+1. Is normal.

 

4WD is for loose surfaces ONLY. Snow, loose gravel, deep mud ONLY.

Any other surfaces and you will DESTROY your transfer case.

If you have the NP242 Transfer case, you can drive around all the time in 4 FULL TIME. If you have the NP231 you will have to use 4x4 ONLY on loose surfaces.

Wet pavement is NOT a loose surface.

 

Part-Time 4WD locks the front and rear driveshafts together, forcing both axles to spin at the same speed. When you go around a corner the outside front wheel takes the larger arc, but it binds up with the locked driveshafts--something has to give, you are lucky the tires are skipping.

Dont use Part-Time 4WD on pavement

 

Visor says:

 

This is from my 2000

 

does seem that 4pt and 4ft uses are backward? haha.

 

I also thought the terminology seemed backwards, IE the 4wd was full time, but it's actually the intended use. Full time can be used full time!

 

They named it after the drivers point-of-view: you can use full-time all the time, and part-time some of the time. Everybody thinks its backwards.

 

Absolutely correct.

 

Everyone has answered it, but Ill reiterate: When using, the axels are locked together, turning the tires at the same speed. When you make a turn, your outside tire turns a lot more than the inside one (more distance to travel). Problem is, they SUPPOSED to turn together, so it hopes and skips. DO NOT use your 4wd on dry ground. Even hard packed dirt. Its not what its made for.

 

Good information, thanks everyone! I was using it because we had some ice and snow on the ground and there were times I wanted more traction from one wheel when the others didn't have it. That said, most of it had melted in the parking lot I was noticing this happening in.

I'm back in 2wd now and will be more selective about when to use 4wd.

 

Full time works great though, kick's in the front two tires when the rears start to slip. I hardly ever have to use anything over than Full Time or RWD.

 

Actually, it doesn't work that way you describe, but it works well.