Driveline Vibration 4WD only
Thread Starter
CF Veteran


Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 74
From: North Riding of Yorkshire, UK
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Folks,
my jeep has always done this but I don't think it should. If I'm driving in 2WD I can rev at full throttle to the redline and everything is fine. If I do the same in 4FT I get a vibration from the floor at about 3500rpm or higher. It starts as a rumble and builds towards the redline to a vibration you can feel on the floor.
I can't _see_ anything obvious but where should I be looking, and should I be using a bar or something to check for movement?
Thanks!
edit: 1997 4.0 Auto with 242 TC. Stock suspension apart from HD rear springs. 235/75/15 tyres on stock alloys.
my jeep has always done this but I don't think it should. If I'm driving in 2WD I can rev at full throttle to the redline and everything is fine. If I do the same in 4FT I get a vibration from the floor at about 3500rpm or higher. It starts as a rumble and builds towards the redline to a vibration you can feel on the floor.
I can't _see_ anything obvious but where should I be looking, and should I be using a bar or something to check for movement?
Thanks!
edit: 1997 4.0 Auto with 242 TC. Stock suspension apart from HD rear springs. 235/75/15 tyres on stock alloys.
Nope - none. I replaced all u-joints in front and rear drive shafts and had them balanced. Other background info:
- 3.5" RE lift, sye, rear leaf spring relocation brackets for better shackle angle, 31" tires, diff fluids changed, TC fluid changed. Trans mount is tight.
The thing is, this didn't start until after I did the rear relocation brackets (FST no-lift brackets) for the leaf springs. IT only happens in 4WD - feel like it is in the front. The rear (2WD) is super smooth. Running stock shackles.
- 3.5" RE lift, sye, rear leaf spring relocation brackets for better shackle angle, 31" tires, diff fluids changed, TC fluid changed. Trans mount is tight.
The thing is, this didn't start until after I did the rear relocation brackets (FST no-lift brackets) for the leaf springs. IT only happens in 4WD - feel like it is in the front. The rear (2WD) is super smooth. Running stock shackles.
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That doesn't really seem right. I didn't have the vibe before improving the rear. Adding the relocation brackets lowered the rear = improving angles. Any other ideas?
Old fart with a wrench
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 14,398
Likes: 741
From: Manlius, east of Syracuse, NY
Year: 2000 XJ Sport & WJ Laredo
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0L
I'd say there is wear in the front driveshaft slip joint spline that's making the middle of it spin off center under load. Just my opinion.
Old fart with a wrench
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 14,398
Likes: 741
From: Manlius, east of Syracuse, NY
Year: 2000 XJ Sport & WJ Laredo
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Okay, that being said, it's possible the CV is bottomed. It has a limited amount it can move and it may be bottoming out against the end plate. You can adjust the length a little at the spline in the center of the shaft by loosening the locking collar and collapsing it just a little.
Thread Starter
CF Veteran


Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 74
From: North Riding of Yorkshire, UK
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Suprise reply! Lol.
No, it still happens a tiny amount but it's a lot better since I greased all the zerks. It has also had a new rear axle since this post which helped too. I don't think it was just the one fault but a few worn parts combined. I certainly didn't find a "magic bullet" solution. Sorry.
No, it still happens a tiny amount but it's a lot better since I greased all the zerks. It has also had a new rear axle since this post which helped too. I don't think it was just the one fault but a few worn parts combined. I certainly didn't find a "magic bullet" solution. Sorry.
Okay, that being said, it's possible the CV is bottomed. It has a limited amount it can move and it may be bottoming out against the end plate. You can adjust the length a little at the spline in the center of the shaft by loosening the locking collar and collapsing it just a little.
Thanks
Suprise reply! Lol.
No, it still happens a tiny amount but it's a lot better since I greased all the zerks. It has also had a new rear axle since this post which helped too. I don't think it was just the one fault but a few worn parts combined. I certainly didn't find a "magic bullet" solution. Sorry.
No, it still happens a tiny amount but it's a lot better since I greased all the zerks. It has also had a new rear axle since this post which helped too. I don't think it was just the one fault but a few worn parts combined. I certainly didn't find a "magic bullet" solution. Sorry.
If you're not able to determine a solution based on suggestions from fellow forum members and you decide to address this with your dealer, please let us know via private message. We would be more than happy to provide you with an additional layer of assistance for that process.
Laura
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