04 Grand Quadra drive limited
Something seems "engaged" I bought this 7/8. Never had a quadra drive
before. It will go in 4 high and 4 low, no noises, no problems, but when normal, it seems /feels like something is engaged? Nervous to drive, if stuck in 4wd isn't that bad to drive on regular dry pavement/roads?

For what it cost back in the day, I shouldn't have any strange vibrations whatsoever. It really feels like 4HI is engaged all the time, but no tire scrub doing tight circles. I know about the LS diffs and plan to crack them open this weekend and change fluids, as well as the T-case. 200 dollars plus for fluids, from my friendly MOPAR dealer, and that includes the LS additive required per OEM spec. All the U-joints are tight. What else should I look for?

For credibility: have owned 5 XJs, 2 WJs, one 5-speed XJ (never should have sold it but I'm pretty sure we got our Money out of it), one 74 CJ5, a 71 Wagoneer and a 72 IH 3/4 4x4.

 

Welcome to CF!

No, that's the way QuadraDrive works. It's constantly in 4wd and the power is automatically shifted proportionally front-to-rear and visa-versa as traction is needed. This is full-time 4wd. It's part-time 4wd that should only be used on slippery surfaces, which your t/case doesn't have. It's the NP247 which is an updated NP249.

Check out wjjeeps.com and learn about your jeep!

 

Hey Dave, Thanks for the reply.
I test drove this Jeep 3 x before buying. 1st test drive, felt that "something"
2 & 3, nothing, thinking ehhh a little stiff, sitting awhile. Purchased, couldn't drive too much because needed a new stem for back tire, got that fixed. Drove to work next morning, felt great, smooth, didn't feel that"thing"
When I left work it was a torrential down pour, rivers in the road, felt that "engagement" or something, I'm thinking, huh? Did this quadra drive kick in?
had husband drive with me after rain cleared, his conclusion also, this thing feels engaged or something. Have had many many jeeps, 1st time quadra drive owner, and V8 owner, am I not used to the power? I don't understand why it would be in auto 4wd on dry pavement

 

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The Quadra-Drive system consists of a transfer case with a limited slip coupling inside it that allows changes in driveshaft speed between the front and rear axles to accommodate varying power needs for cornering and changing traction. The differentials, both front and rear, are automatic limited slip side-to-side for the same demands. The need for proper fluid changes and maintenance of this system is important for long life.

SO...This allows the torque to be shifted to any wheel that is slipping automatically without any input from the driver. We shouldn't notice any of this action unless the surface is rough or slippery, like in the rain, mud, or snow. You should hardly ever need low range unless you're pulling extremely heavy loads up a sharp incline at low speeds or descending a very steep hill and need to creep.

There is a drive system called the Quadra-Trac I that doesn't even have a shift lever and remains in 4wd at all times. That system doesn't have a neutral or low range in it. Transfer case neutral is just for towing the vehicle or shifting into low range as in your jeep. Salesmen have told me that system was designed for people that get nervous about what to do with that second shift lever!

You've probably had XJs (Cherokee Sport) before with the NP231 t/case. This t/case gives you 2wd and only has part-time 4wd which locks both axles together with no slippage between them. This is the one that you must not drive on dry pavement in 4wd or risk breaking something. The NP242 in the Grand Cherokees is selectable with 2 different 4wd options, full-time and part-time as well as 2wd.

One thing I'm going to warn you about. It's not a good idea to use cruise control in heavy rain or snow at highway speeds with any automatic 4wd system because the system will "hunt" for traction and give you a very queasy feeling. Personally, I don't like using cruise in ANY vehicle in bad road conditions.