Hi, Im very new to this, (and a girl)so please scuse my ignorance!..just bought my first Cherokee.. its 17 years old, and in need of some TLC.. Ive never owned or driven a 4x4 before(although Ive always wanted one), and Im curious to know if its normal to have a LOT of play in the steering when driving in a straight line?. It seems im constantly adjusting the steering, just to keep the jeep straight. Also, when I switch it to 2wheel drive, when I try to corner it all goes very strange up the front.. theres a deep rubbing/vibrating noise, and the front end starts to wobble, and the jeep slows right down as if its trying to push a huge weight.. however, this doesnt happen in the 4wheel drive setting?. With the 4x4 setting engaged, I can take corners without the slightest complaint from the jeep?.. Im just worried that there may be something big about to give way up front!. Any advice would be greatly appreciated..

 

check the hubs and ujoints in the front axle shafts

 

I am new to this kind of 4x4 myself. I have always had Fords with Lock out hubs. My question to this thread is with the Jeep are you supposed to drive it in 4x4 on a normal dry road? tina.c93 doesn't say that is what she is doing but kind of made it sound like that. I always though driving 4x4 on a dry road would bind up the drive train?
clint

 

depends on the Tcase. If it is the 231 (2wd, 4hi, 4lo) then you ARE NOT supposed to use on dry pavement, it is bad for the Tcase. There should be a warning under the drivers visor.
If its the 242 (2wd, 4hi, 4ft, 4lo IIRC) you can use it on pavement in the "Full Time" Position.

 

SO I have the 242. Is that considered a good transfer case? Is that the one you have tina.c93.
Good to know, thanks. Seems I have a little to learn about these tough little trucks
clint

 

thanks for the replies guys - will check those hubs and ujoints in the front axle shafts (as soon as I find out what they are, and where they are!).. I was talking about driving on dry pavement (sorry forgot to mention that).. I think i have the 242 transmision(2wd, 4wd parttime, 4wd fulltime and 4wd Lo).. so its not too much of a problem that it seems to be stuck in 4wd full time..right??...Im learning as I go here, but Im having fun!. Im gonna do an oil and filter change tonight.. have read that 10w/30 is recommended, but a friend (a life long range rover driver), said that I should run 5w/50 through the older engine (its 17 years old, and a 4.0L V6 petrol with 155k on the clock).. any thoughts?.. thanks guys

 

Its a I6 not a V6 and I wouldnt go that high... If you want to run a thicker oil do 10w40 or 15w40. Rotella is good oil...

 

An I6, not v6.. does that mean inline 6?, I think I read that somewhere else on this forum...good to know thats what I have!. Thanks for the quick reply, and the advice on oil.. 10w/40 seems like a good compromise - will give it a shot.

 

Inline..


Only v6 in a cherokee was used in 86..

 

v6, i6 same thing, both have 6 cylinders, theyre just arranged differently

 

yes, but the fact is its still an I6 and not a V6.
Also, I6s are generally known to be much stronger (1 rod per journal as apposed to 2) and produce more power/torque (overlapping power strokes).

 

Tina, you have, asuming it's an automatic, an AW4 transmission. It's a light to medium 4 speed truck transmission and very relyable. They last forever with general maintenance. As for your front end troubles I suggest jacking the front end up with the steering wheel locked and try to wiggle the tire. If the tire moves with the steering wheel not moving then you have parts to be replaced and would do it asap. The 242 is the transfer case model number and is also a good transfer case. The only trouble I have ever had with my transmission was that I blew an O-ring out the pump and the rear seal on the transfer case of the main shaft. Got both fixed an no troubles with it so far. As for the V6 and I6 there is quite a difference as the I6 is much more reliable and easier to work on. Just don't have the engine bored out.

Back to the topic at hand, I would double check your sway bar in the front and have an alignment done to correct the issue if the tire holds firm.

 

thanks jake - lots of good advice there.. Ive bought a heavy trolley jack and stands especially for working on the jeep.. so I'll jack it up and try the tyre wiggle experiment..see what happens. Your right, it is an auto.. which is rare in britain.. but then so is a 4.0L engine!. My previous car was a 900cc 5 speed manual, that got around 45mpgs.. my cherokee is a whole new experience!. Fuel here is nearly £7 a gallon (hence the reason people favour small engined manuals), but I dont care - I love the old truck!. Good to know the 242 is a good transfer case, and the benefits of having an I6 over the V6 (thanku defiance665 for the extra info on that) - Ive only been on this forum a couple of days, and Ive learned loads! - thanx guys.