I own a 99 Cherokee Classic. 4WD works great, the only problem is when i turn semi-sharply the whole jeep like jerks around really bad... Ive heard that this is kinda a common problem with cherokees. My only question is why do they do it? and can it be fixed? Thanks!

 

Its not a problem.

Thats your front U joints binding up and telling you, your turning the wheel too sharply.

I have never had a 4wd truck that didnt do it. Its normal.

 

You are not operating the 4WD on a slick enough surface.

 

That makes sense i guess... Although it happens even if i dont turn sharply...

 

x2

 

x3

 

I have a Grand Cherokee, Cherokee and a Wrangler and they all do that when in 4wd and on a dry surface or if I turn the wheel all the way on a semi slick surface. It's totaly normal. Every 4x4 I've owned had done this.

 

Ive driven an AWD grand cherokee before and i didnt do it... Whats the difference between 4WD and AWD?

 

Your GC must have had an NP242 transfer case that allows for full-time 4x4 mode. In the NP231 the front and rear axles are mechanically locked instead of having a proper differential between them. Unless you travel in a straight line the whole time, your turning wheels travel farther than the fixed ones at the back. So, when you turn the steering wheel more and more, the difference between the front and rear wheels is greater. As a result of the lock, the two axles start to twist unless you have lower traction. Hence why on some surfaces the tension gets released with a shudder. On really slick surfaces you don't notice this as the wheels just sort of gently slip and the drivetrain doesn't twist in the first place