I have a 2000 jeep cherokee sport mostly stock as I know. Its got a four inch lift and some bigger tires, I don't know the size off the top of my head. I put it in four wheel drive and whenever I make a turn even remotely sharp I get a loud almost clunking sound. Is this because the diff is locked and the wheels are trying to move at the same speed? and if so is there a way to unlock it so they can spin at different speeds so that I can take it offroading without fear? My main goal with this car is to make it my offroad beast but I don't know much about upgrading or what parts to change to make that happen. Can ya'll help me?

 

Sounds like you have the normal NP 231 transfer case that only has part time 4wd. It's not supposed to be used on hard dry surfaces, only where there can be slippage to allow the tires to turn at different speeds. The only way you can get full time 4wd is to change to the NP242 transfer case. That t/case has a differential devise inside it that allows the front and rear drive shafts to turn at different speeds.

 

Thank you very much for the response. What about the wheels left to right, is there an easy way to make them spin at different speeds or is that not necessary for going offroading?

 

The axle differentials allow the wheels to spin at different speeds while going around corners. This is a feature of every vehicle, but can be changed and modified to be "locked" sometimes for better traction in some situations. Making that change requires some knowledge and experience with working on vehicles, and also some not-so-cheap parts.

Like dave1123 said, the sounds you hear are likely because of binding when you put it in four wheel drive. Do not put your Jeep in four wheel drive while on dry pavement. Do not put it in four wheel drive while on wet pavement after a rain. Use it only in low-traction conditions like dirt roads, gravel roads, snow and ice.

Try this: go to a dirt road or lot and put it in four wheel drive. Does it still make the sound when you turn? If no, then problem solved. If yes, then there is more to look into. First to check are your oversized tires. Are they rubbing or hitting any part of your Jeep when they are turned?

 

Yeah, definitely lots of possibilities - hopefully just the normal locking of 4wd as the others have said.

Where in MA are you?