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4wd steering wheel jerking

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Old 11-22-2008, 01:46 AM
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Default 4wd steering wheel jerking

I just bought my 99 cherokee sport the other day and i put in 4hi to try it out and when i was turning (going about 2-3mph) the steering wheel jerked a couple times and i put it back in 2hi then. Is this because the front diff. isn't limited slip? Also, how high of a speed can the 4hi handle?
Old 11-22-2008, 01:54 AM
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Originally Posted by 99xj snowboarder
I just bought my 99 cherokee sport the other day and i put in 4hi to try it out and when i was turning (going about 2-3mph) the steering wheel jerked a couple times and i put it back in 2hi then. Is this because the front diff. isn't limited slip? Also, how high of a speed can the 4hi handle?
Does it do that when it's in 2wd and you are turning? If not, it sounds like you have a front automatic locker in there. That's exactly what auto lockers do in the front dana 30.

It also sounds like a bad or seized u-joint in one or both of the axle shafts. You can check by removing the axle shafts and trying to bend them at the joint. If they don't bend, there's your problem. I go through this on a yearly basis due to all the muddin i do. I know it's u-joints when the steering wheel jerks back and forth on it's own. (in 2wd)
Old 11-22-2008, 01:57 AM
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It doesn't do it in 2hi
Old 11-22-2008, 02:00 AM
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Originally Posted by 99xj snowboarder
It doesn't do it in 2hi
can you hear any clicking noises when turning in either 2hi or 4hi?

4wd Hi Range can handle speeds up to........any speeds really. I read that it can go up to 55 mph (book) but also read that others use it over 55. There's no real reason to go faster than 55 in 4wd anyways.
Old 11-22-2008, 02:04 AM
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There's no clicking. The reason I asked about the speed is I snowboard a lot and the hill is about an hour and a half from my house and the speed limit on the highway is 65.
Old 11-22-2008, 02:08 AM
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This is normal, caused by driveline bind. Exactly why your not supposed to engage 4WD on a surface with alot of traction.

With the front tires turned in 4WD the front tires are rotating at a different speed than the rears... thus creating the bind in the driveline.
Old 11-22-2008, 02:09 AM
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Could the 4wd hi do 65-70mph?
Old 11-22-2008, 02:12 AM
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Theres 2 different transfer cases in the Cherokee's. Read this thread for an explanation between the two.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/showth...ighlight=NP242
Old 11-22-2008, 02:12 AM
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Originally Posted by OverlandXJ
This is normal, caused by driveline bind. Exactly why your not supposed to engage 4WD on a surface with alot of traction.

With the front tires turned in 4WD the front tires are rotating at a different speed than the rears... thus creating the bind in the driveline.
He's right. I wasn't thinking if you were using 4x4 on the pavement or not. If you are, try not to

If the speed is posted 65 mph, there shouldn't be any need for 4x4 on it. I never seen a road with that speed limit that requires 4 wheel drive. Maybe if you work on the ICE ROAD with the ICE ROAD TRUCKERS...yeah.
Old 11-22-2008, 02:14 AM
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The highway gets really snowy and a little icy on some spots. Thanks for all the help.
Old 11-22-2008, 02:16 AM
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Originally Posted by 99xj snowboarder
The highway gets really snowy and a little icy on some spots. Thanks for all the help.
your best bet would be to slow down and be careful. You shouldn't really need 4wd unless you start spinning your rear tires.

Seems like the full-time 4x4 t-cases would fit your driving style better.
Old 11-22-2008, 09:52 AM
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4wd HIGH is fine for speed as long as your going straight, But try not to use 4wd when your on good dry pavement....In other words the 4wd is there for WHEN YOU NEED IT !
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