I just picked up a 1998 ZJ Limited from a family friend and just wanting some advice. The ignition coil went out and i replaced it and it fired right up. After driving it around the block, i began noticing a low sounding whining noise. I have had U-joints go out on previous Jeeps but i don't remember it sounding like this. I have never had a wheel bearing go out so i wouldn't know if that was the problem or not. Is there anyway to check? I am going to check for play in the drive shaft tomorrow so that will let me know about that. Also, any advice on the potential of the 5.2 v8? I am used to the 4.0 and the new junk 3.somethings in the woman's liberty. It feels a bit sluggish and wants to hesitate when stepping on the gas. I basically bought this for nothing and I'm hoping it will eventually turn into a wheeling vehicle. However, for now, I will need to be road worthy. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Also, the previous owner said something about the steering wheel shaking when letting off the gas at 50 or so mph. I checked for wheel play to see if it wa the tie rods but there was hardly any play whatsoever. Anyone else experience this issue?

 

Check the front axle, see if your teeth on the gears are ate up. I bought one with bad trans, swopped it out and got it going just to find out the front axle was trashed. Sounds like u got the death wobble. I heard it can be a number of things check your control arm bushings all your tie rod ends get it alined as well. Is it lifted?

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Sounds like U-joints, drive shaft or axle. NOT DEATH WOBBLE. What Transfer case does it have? If it's the 4wd drive ONLY, could be the Viscous Coupler. Could be from bad fluids in Trans, TC or axles. 5.2 is a good motor, but is only 30 more HP than the 4.0. Don't know what you had a 4.0 in but if it was a XJ, the V8 and the 4.0 feel sluggish by comparison in a ZJ. You probably just need to catch up on servicing the rig.

 

Moved over to Grand Cherokee tech.

 

i dont know... a whining sound.. does it make a whining sound while youre driving, or always?... put it in neutral, rev it and tell me if you hear it.. usually when i hear a whining sound when driving its just a worn out belt

 

Had a whine from my front end, turned out to be the cv axle. easy job