My 96 5.2L ZJ automatic is making a winding noise while driving. I recently got stuck in a sandy/granite wash. As far as I know the transfer case is good. There was water in the differential and i took it all apart and cleaned it good and it drives great, but the winding noise still persists and goes away when idling and coasting. I dont know what else it could be. If anyone knows whats wrong or has an idea of what it could be please get back to me. ANY help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

Doubt this would cause the sound but did you check your tranny fluid aswell?

 

Not yet, is it possible that it could be the hose that connects to the back of the differential because I found mine half *** connected while changing the gear oil.

 

can we get some specifics about your rig? Transfer case and diff setup would be most useful. also the amount of lift and type of front driveshaft.

 

The transfer case is a NP249
The front axle is a Dana 30 (3:55)
I think the rear axle is a Dana 44a
The transmission is a 44RE

With about a 2'' lift as of right now.

 

Water in a 249 might have fried the VC? Does it bind when doing figure 8s in 4Hi?

 

It doesn't really bind, but there is a little tension.

 

The power steering pump will whine when it's low on fluid. if that's the case it'll change with the engine speed (RPM). Sometimes from inside that can sound like it's coming from the TC or front axle. If you haven't checked your fluid levels, I'd suggest that first.

Later.

 

it should be smooth and tension free. I would do another TC fluid change to really make sure you got all teh water out of it.

 

44a rear ends were good for gear noise that you hear as a whine driving and goes away coasting. If there was water in your gear oil this is a strong possibility.