Have a couple of issues
Senior Member




Joined: May 2012
Posts: 602
Likes: 13
From: Salt Lake City, UT
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
There should be a "Part-Time" light that comes on when you shift into 4wd. As someone mentioned before, there is a "4WD Indicator" switch on top of your transfer case. It could be unplugged, but likely it's just dead. They are cheap (10$) and easy (unscrew the old, screw on the new) to replace.
Also, be sure not to drive in 4WD on dry pavement as others have said.
Also, be sure not to drive in 4WD on dry pavement as others have said.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Pittsfield, NH
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
CF Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,169
Likes: 6
From: York, PA
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
No problem! Don't feel bad about not shifting to 4lo--I made the same mistake the other night trying to install my other linkage. Couldn't figure out why I couldn't get it into 4lo. Busted a knuckle over it, got on here and then it dawned on me. Yet I swear I was able to do it the other night when I worked on it and still had it in park. Doh!
No problem! Don't feel bad about not shifting to 4lo--I made the same mistake the other night trying to install my other linkage. Couldn't figure out why I couldn't get it into 4lo. Busted a knuckle over it, got on here and then it dawned on me. Yet I swear I was able to do it the other night when I worked on it and still had it in park. Doh!
CF Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,169
Likes: 6
From: York, PA
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I'll do ya one better.... after a long winter of not riding my Yamaha Vstar, one spring I put the key on and try to turn it and start it like a car (you know, crank the key over?)... so I am totally losing my mind, thinking my ignition is all screwed up/frozen/broken... then one day it freakin' hits me.... uhhh.. push the start button idiot.... "and the winner of this years Darwin Award goes to: ME" 

If you're uncomfortable with inspecting the steering system, you might want to find a good alignment shop to do it. A feeling like a wheel is about to fall off could mean something serious.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Pittsfield, NH
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I have a feeling its a u-joint but I just need to get under it and take a look before I take it someplace when I don't need to.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Pittsfield, NH
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Ok so I have no idea what is going on. Nothing appears to be wrong. But yet something has to be causing it to feel like my driver's side front tire is going to fold underneath me whenever I make a sharp turn. There is also a jerk in the wheel when it happens. I just have no idea what is causing this. Anyone have any ideas???
Are your endlink bushings shot?
Sway bar is what would help with making sharp turns.
Also do not forget this is a vehicle with a high center of gravity and is not really designed for sharp turns in the first place
Sway bar is what would help with making sharp turns.
Also do not forget this is a vehicle with a high center of gravity and is not really designed for sharp turns in the first place
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Pittsfield, NH
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
What I mean by sharp turns is when I turn at intersections or into a parking space. That kind of sharp turn.
I have no idea if they are shot. Everything looks fine as far as I know. Im not a mechanic and this is my first ever Jeep.
Well you just said everythign looks fine in the suspension,
How do you know that if you dont know wha youre looking for?
Im sorry but there is no magic answer that solves everything.
If you dont know what youre looking at educate yourself or bring it to a mechanic
How do you know that if you dont know wha youre looking for?
Im sorry but there is no magic answer that solves everything.
If you dont know what youre looking at educate yourself or bring it to a mechanic
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Pittsfield, NH
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I have been trying to educate myself. And to me it all looks fine but thats why I say I have no idea what Im looking for and am trying to get some help.


