I have some bad U-Joints on my front driveshaft. They are make a horrible sound and are a little difficult to turn.

My question is: Is this causing excessive wear on my T-Case? Should I stop driving until I can get the problem fixed?

 

If it's the front driveshaft I would refrain from using 4 wheel drive, (unless you really have to) until you get it fixed. Shouldn't cause any problems with the transfer case any time soon but I recommend trying to stay in 2HI and fixing it soon.

 

Is it true that the front driveshaft is always spinning though - even if it's in 2WD?

Totally planning on getting it fixed soon, just wondering if I was causing excessive wear/damage in the meantime.

 

i dont think, repeat- dont think that the front shaft will spin unless engaged in 4. sometimes there is regular driveline play, which includes all parts associated with the car moving forward. they can cause some minor clunking, but, it sounds like that isnt the issue here. keep it in two and an ear on that noise, then get it to somebody soon.

 

why not take it out and put it in the back of xj.....

 

make sure to grease and reinstall the bolts in the axle pinion and t-case pinion or rust will stop you from installing them later.

 

Hmmm.... This might be it then. Someone told me that the front propeller DS was always in motion. My mechanic told me that running around with bad front driveshaft U-Joints was causing wear on my transfer case. I guess I better not go back there!

Gonna take Freegdr's advice and take it out for a while. What kinds of tools will I need?

 

So if I have 'squeaky' u-joints then they will likely squeak even if the driveshaft isn't moving?

 

Actually I've heard that the front ds does spin even in 2wd. I removed mine a while back because it was turning something in my t-case making a click clack sound. Removed it and the sound went away, been driving fine with out it ever since. Very simple to remove too, 4 bolts 8mm wrench i think, and a floor jack to support it so it doesn't fall on you.

 

it actualy does spin even in 2wd unless you havea vacume disconect axle, but they stoped using them axles in like 1989 or 1990 (not positive on the year), my xj is a 1995 the front driveshaft allways spins and is being turned by the gears in the front end, then when placed in 4wd the t-case sends power to the driveshaft. I wouldnt think its to much of a problem to leave it on but its easy enough to take it off

 

It does spin, yes, but recommended not using four wheel drive because that is the only time there is any true load on it.