Clicking in 4WD
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Joined: Nov 2014
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From: Lennox/Sioux Falls South Dakota
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 liter inline 6
I drive a 1994 jeep grand cherokee laredo with the standard D-30 axles. when i got the jeep to 4WD started to click so i replaced my axle shafts and it still clicks. the clicking is coming from the front so my question is whats broken? i was thinking of a diff. rebuild kit but rather not spend the money if i dont need to.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 892
Likes: 4
From: Lennox/Sioux Falls South Dakota
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 liter inline 6
new detail: doesnt go into 4 low. it feels like something is trying to keep me from putting it in 4 low and if i do get it in 4 low it pops out.
Old fart with a wrench
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 14,398
Likes: 740
From: Manlius, east of Syracuse, NY
Year: 2000 XJ Sport & WJ Laredo
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0L
It may be your transfer case linkage needs adjusting. There is a bushing on the linkage torque shaft that pops out of the bracket and causes all kinds of shifting problems. What t/case do you have? Is it the 242 Selectrac with 2 4wd options or the 231? Or is it the 249 full time 4wd?
Last edited by dave1123; Sep 2, 2015 at 07:16 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 892
Likes: 4
From: Lennox/Sioux Falls South Dakota
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 liter inline 6
It may be your transfer case linkage needs adjusting. There is a bushing on the linkage torque shaft that pops out of the bracket and causes all kinds of shifting problems. What t/case do you have? Is it the 242 Selectrac with 2 4wd options or the 231? Or is it the 249 full time 4wd?
Old fart with a wrench
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 14,398
Likes: 740
From: Manlius, east of Syracuse, NY
Year: 2000 XJ Sport & WJ Laredo
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0L
In the Haynes Repair Manual on page 7C-2 there's a picture of the linkage and the procedure to adjust it. It also shows the 2 brackets that the torque shaft slides thru. I'll even bet there's a You-tube video out there.
BTW, your 4wd part-time option should only be used on loose surfaces. 4wd lo is also part-time.
BTW, your 4wd part-time option should only be used on loose surfaces. 4wd lo is also part-time.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 892
Likes: 4
From: Lennox/Sioux Falls South Dakota
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 liter inline 6
I NEVER use 4 low. and it was like this when i bought it but i never really need it when i go wheeling but that can change coming up this winter so i wanna have the peace of mind of getting it fixed and get back to serious wheeling away. (i jut got this jeep not more than 3-4 weeks ago) i have never had an issue like this in any of my jeeps.
Old fart with a wrench
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 14,398
Likes: 740
From: Manlius, east of Syracuse, NY
Year: 2000 XJ Sport & WJ Laredo
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0L
I really like the 242. It's probably the most versatile one used in jeeps, but the distance between shift points is short and if it's loose, it can sometimes not engage properly. Your clicking is probably caused by it not being in full time or part time completely, but somewhere in between. Try moving the shifter slightly one way or the other and see if the clicking disappears.
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 892
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From: Lennox/Sioux Falls South Dakota
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 liter inline 6
Yea im thinking its the linkage because the clicking almost sounded like it was binding which made me get the new axle shafts but after i did that it didnt change at all. so im gonna see if i can get the linkage fixed tonight and i will keep ya updated.
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