firstime00XJ

Well I used 4wd tonight as I was driving down some back roads just for kicks and giggles because it was slippery due to snow. Well, I know I have a transfer case switch that is bad because the Jeep takes FOREVER to engage and disengage 4 hi, and my part time light doesn't illuminate. I wiggled the switch and my light illuminated, but then quit...so I'm just going to replace it. My issue is when I was driving, I could hear what sounded like gear chattering, it also does this while I'm idling in drive. I then heard a noise like what it sounds like when you drive in first gear, then slow down...this was coming from the front end...Nothing clicks, nothing howls, nothing is loose....the ball joints/wheel bearings, axles and u joints all checked out good...I'm just wondering if this is normal. Thanks for your help!!!

bowlingballhead

I have the same noise in my '96. I'm thinking that it's a loose transfer case chain rattling against the TC casing. Although mine engages and disengages ok.

CommanderXJ

I would also like to know. I've got a 96' that seems pretty loud when engaged in 4x4. I am going to swap out the fluids this weekend and see if that helps with anything.

perez1989

Mine does the same thing. I used my 4wd yesterday and took i off when we hit the road, the ligh went off, but I could still feel the 4wd engaged. And today when I went in reverse out of the driveway It felt like it got stuck. Could not go reverse anymore, so I went forward. But felt the 4wd even when the lights were not on.

firstime00XJ

your issue is somewhat normal with a 4wd system...sometimes one needs to back up before 4wd will disengage, but it should disengage and not feel stuck.

stellerxj

I thought the 4hi to 2wd is "on the fly?" In other words, why would it be normal to have to back up before it disengages? I know the older type of 4wd was different (not really sure why), but I always thought my 2000 could go from 4hi to 2 anytime below 45mph...

Mine has a delay before it drops out of 4hi into 2wd and then makes a clunk when it finally goes. Dunno if it's normal or not.

firstime00XJ

It is shift on the fly, however, sometimes backing up will release it...SOMETIMES.

Metlic53

mine will shift out of 4wd only when i get on the gas and let off completely. (while driving) or if i put it in 2wd then back up and go forward it will go into 2wd. it works this way with all of the cherokees i've ridden in (which is alot!)

muddpigg

i've found to get back into 2wd from 4hi (full or part time np242), i just move the lever back to 2hi switch the transmission to N for just a second or two and voila 2hi again, no backing up necessary. as for noise i can't really comment, mine doesn't make any. maybe what you're hearing is a worn out drive chain hitting the case from the inside? time for a rebuild?

firstime00XJ

Well when I push the 4wd shift lever down some, the noise goes away...This tells me that it isn't a big deal...not too worried about it now.

jdumont

Hey ever get a solution to this... mine is doing the same thing where it makes a light grinding type noise while driving in 2wd and when i move the shift lever slightly it gets worse or better. I really dont think its the bushings, its more of a grinding, kinda sounds like a bad bearing noise.

Here is my post... http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/odd-gurgeling-noise-when-4x4-lever-moved-1101799-new/