Driving without front driveshaft?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jun 3, 2019 | 07:35 AM

#16

cruiser54

::CF Moderator::

Joined: Aug 2011

Posts: 43,971

Likes: 1,579

From: Prescott, Az

Year: 1990

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

Engine: 4.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave1123

Question; if he has a 242 t/case and he's pulling the front shaft, why are we talking about using 4wd? Keep it on 2wd and drive the **** out of it.

Doing that will ruin a 242. That's why I'm pushing for clarification when shotgunning out replies and advice.
The 242 needs to be shifted into Part Time or all the power wants to go out the front and the planetary gearset in the case burns up.

Jun 3, 2019 | 08:23 AM

#17

00t444e

CF Veteran

Joined: Nov 2015

Posts: 3,636

Likes: 469

From: Southern OH

Year: 1997

Model: Cherokee(XJ)

Engine: 4.0

There is no problem with pulling the front driveshaft and leaving it in 2wd, the transfer case won't know the difference.

Jun 3, 2019 | 08:28 AM

#18

cruiser54

::CF Moderator::

Joined: Aug 2011

Posts: 43,971

Likes: 1,579

From: Prescott, Az

Year: 1990

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

Engine: 4.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by 00t444e

There is no problem with pulling the front driveshaft and leaving it in 2wd, the transfer case won't know the difference.

I wonder why that didn't work on my wife's 88 with the 242.......

Jun 3, 2019 | 09:04 AM

#19

00t444e

CF Veteran

Joined: Nov 2015

Posts: 3,636

Likes: 469

From: Southern OH

Year: 1997

Model: Cherokee(XJ)

Engine: 4.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruiser54

I wonder why that didn't work on my wife's 88 with the 242.......

Maybe it was stuck in full time 4x4. I know the front output shaft is disconnected when it's in 2wd so there is no way for it to send power to the front.

Jun 3, 2019 | 10:23 AM

#20

Larry Coons

Newbie

Joined: Jun 2019

Posts: 9

Likes: 0

Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruiser54

Doing that will ruin a 242. That's why I'm pushing for clarification when shotgunning out replies and advice.
The 242 needs to be shifted into Part Time or all the power w4 ants to go out the front and the planetary gearset in the case burns up.

Absolutely! It's VERY important to know which t-case you got. I double checked all my diagrams, sales codes, build sheets and parts lists before making the decision to drop the front drive shaft. I also got the advice and consent of both a veteran mechanical engineer and another senior mechanical engineer (but any SAE mechanic would do). I then fully inspected and cleaned everything (the undercarriage is the most neglected part of a jeep sometimes but the most important to clean up). I say this because I am keeping a close eye on that rear axle under the assumption it will bare more stress. I have dropped about 3-4mpg so I think that indicates less stress on the engine but I'm not sure how that interacts with the rear drive shaft. After 100 miles now, I'm confident it will last until I can get the rebuild kit ordered.

Jan 15, 2020 | 11:25 PM

#21

Putt870

Newbie

Joined: Jan 2020

Posts: 1

Likes: 0

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

I have a 2003 chevy tahoe and it’s stuck in 4Lo. If I take the front drive shaft out will it be ok to drive?

Jan 21, 2020 | 11:52 AM

#22

papablista

Seasoned Member

Joined: Sep 2018

Posts: 337

Likes: 33

From: Latonia,Kentucky

Year: 2000

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

Engine: 4.0 fresh rebuild

Quote:

Originally Posted by norco kid

What is the difference between 4wd full time and 4wd part time? I was under the impression that there was a center diff and that part time locked it where as full time left it unlocked, hence driving in full time without a front shaft would wreck something in there. Anyways as long as it's left in 2wd it should be fine right? What about the output shafts? Are they held in somehow or can they pop out without the shaft and loose all the diff/tc fluid?

In part time the the TC give a 50 / 50 split to the front and rear , in full time you get a mixed split I cant remember exactly but I think like 60% rear 40% front , don't use part time on dry pavement it can grenade your TC case. You can use full time anytime.

Jan 22, 2020 | 04:12 AM

#23

dave1123

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

Personally, I can't see any reason to burn up a 242 by driving it in 2wd without a front shaft. The power goes straight thru on the main input/output shaft while in 2wd. The front shaft mounts either on a yoke or flange and contains the fluid with a seal. It's the 249 in ZJs that get burnt up without a front shaft. Besides, the "center diff" in the 242 is just an additional planetary gearset that's lubed by the pump all the time.