MountiansRcool

Hey i need some help. I have the NP231 and when we get snow on the ground, like 4+ inches, i would instinctively put it in 4x4 right? BUT my cherokee dosent like 4x4, if i start going faster than about 10 mph it starts to grind really bad. there are a few things i think it may be. The tcase fluid? im going to change it anyways because it cant hurt. My front Drive shaft? it seems to be pretty blown out because when i grab it i can wiggle it around a good bit.

Another thing i was thinking it could be was my front tires being more worn down than the back, i bought them at differant times so i think it could be my front tires spinning just slightly faster than the rear tires. But they are all 33x12.50 and the same brand, I wouldnt think that them being slightly off would mess with my tcase soo much.

AND lastly i cant shift out of 4x4 unless i come to a complete stop, put it in reverse, go back a few feet then go forwards agian

THANKYOU CHEROKEE FORUM!!!

99superjeep01

There shouldn't be any "wiggle" to a drive shaft lol.

96'NamibianXJ

You should probably have your front driveshaft's universal joints replaced. At a shop where they can balance the shaft too before refitment. That is definitely a must, whether it's causing the problem or not i can't say 100%. Hope you get it sorted. For the changing gears issue, have a look at the linkage from the gear lever to the t-case. Maybe a bushing is playing up or the linkage is not set right.

sthon

You can't use the np231 in 4x4 on the road

96'NamibianXJ

Although I am not sure at all why it would do that. I dont know squat about transfer cases. We don't even own our jeep anymore. Wait for some more experienced people to comment and advise you.

MountiansRcool

By wiggle in the front DS it isnt the U Joints its the slip joint it can wiggle a little bit, should i buy a better Junk yard Front DS or should i rebuild the one i have now? Is it expensive to rebuild the slip joint?

MountiansRcool

What if the road has like 4-8 inches of snow on it and 2 wheel drive dont cut it. The 4x4 works great, its just once i get going faster like 10-25 mph it binds really bad, On road, or offroad on the slickest mud it still binds

96'NamibianXJ

I dont even know what a slip joint is. Forget what i said then. Lets hope someone with good knowledge answers. I never spent time round driveshafts or transfercase when we had our jeep so i dont know much about how the function.

Humbywumby

you should definitely replace your u joints. and if the road has snow on it then you should be able to use 4x4 no problem. the tires being worn differently shouldnt be the problem if theres just a slight difference.

MountiansRcool

the slip joint is on the front DS where it can extend or be compressed, mine wiggles alot

99superjeep01

Sounds like you're better off going to the junkyard and getting a new front shaft.

sthon

Try it out on a dirt road. If it still binds horribly check/replace your u-joints. Even when there is 4" of snow on the road there are plenty of places where the snow is cleared. I had the same problem with my '96 when I lived in Montana. Ended up driving my '92 with the NP242 most of the time in the winter so I could use 4x4 full time on the road.

tvarney26

you shouldn't have prob with driving in 4x4 on the road ive done it for years in the snow with no prob and thats wat its for read the back of the drivers sun visor it'll tell ya its for loose or slippery road surfaces, so i think u got a bigger prob with ur case. also i can move my front ds a lil bit but as long as ur u joints isn't where the play is ur alright

PatriotGT

has it ever worked correctly or has it always been this way?
If it's never been right, check the gear ratios - front and rear.
Someone had replaced the rear axle on my 99gc with the wrong
ratio and did as you described. Replaced with the correct one and
all's fine now.

MountiansRcool

So i pulled the front DS and the double cardon Joint is Totaly toasted aswell as the slip joint, I think this is the main problem, How do i go about replacing the double cardon joint along with the slip joint????