blueyes1983

Hey Guys!
Ok, you've probably seen these questions a million times, but I'm not a regular on the cherokee Forum, so I just don't know. You guys helped me with my old Cherokee about a year ago, but I just bought a '93 GC Limited (4.0L with 148K miles) for $1000 and I've been told it's the "QuadraTrac" transfer case. It's all the time 4wd.
So I didn't notice it at first, but I get a really weird feeling when I make sharp turns at slow speeds (like in a parking lot and stuff). Feels like the wheels are binding up, kinda like my old Jeep would do if I left it in 4wd on dry pavement. Isn't the full-time 4wd supposed to prevent this?
Anyway, what do I need to do to fix this (please don't tell me it's really expensive)?
I'm pretty mechanical, for a girl that is. I do my own oil changes and stuff. I've even done brakes, exhaust, shocks, a water pump, and a few other more complicated things. But I'm no expert.
What are the different transfer cases, and are they easy to change? What are the different numbers I'm seeing when I search "transfer case' on the forum (249, 242, etc.)?
Also, my GC seems to be running a little on the hot side. It runs just over 210 degree mark (I would guess it would be about 220-225 degrees according to the gauge). Along with the high temp, there is a constant "squeal, or whining" sound. I thought it was the belt at first, but it never goes away. The squeal does change with engine rpm. Is this an indication of the water pump being bad?
I plan on doig the easy stuff (thermostat, flush) and maybe even the water pump if it doesn't look too difficult. (Since a new reman water pump is only 20 bucks). Is there anything else I should check as far as the high temp goes? OR anything else I should be looking at as far as the squeal goes?
Thanks so much for the help guys!
Katie

dlundblad

I am a little confused, but here is my thoughts...

NP-242
2HI
4WD Part-Time
4WD Full-Time
N
4LO

The Command Track (231 I think) is...
2HI
4HI
N
4LO

You should have the 249...

I am not too familiar with the 249, but I think it is some sort off all wheel drive system. And no it really shouldnt be binding on pavement with the full-time on... A good way to remember this is Full-Time can be used all the time (slushy pavement etc.) and Part Time is deep snow, mud etc...

And after rereading some of this, I may be wrong in a spot or two...

seed

Your vicious coupler in the t-case is bad which is causing the binding. You have a 249 but can swap in a 242(select trac) which has 2WD,4 part-time,4 full-time and lo. or a 231(command trac) 2WD,4WD,lo. Or repair the 249,it will be relatively expensive to have someone do it.

If the "squeal" is high pitched it may be the radiator cap or a radiator leak which could be causing the overheating. You can check the weep hole on the water pump for leakage.

I don't beleive you bought a "lemon",it's a 16 year old vehicle with 150K.

ol"blue

If it's like my '97 it only has "4 HI -N- 4 LO". And mine also has a scrubbing feeling from the front-end when turning tight at slow speeds and leaves tire marks on my concrete drive. I've had the t-case repaired so that must be normal.
And it runs around 210* degrees regardless of speed or whether or not I'm towing. It has the HD cooling and tow packages though. It also has the 5.2 V8.

dlundblad

Wow... ol"blue, your truck is a beast... only 4HI N and 4LO... I bet that does great in all types of weather. I dont think I have seen one like that... most of them have a 2HI aswell...lol

ol"blue

My '04 is the same way. (No 2 HI selection.) Except it has the 4.7 V8.

dlundblad

wow, I was olny kidding, but it really doesnt have 2HI... It can be a 2wd cant it... Jeez im confused

ol"blue

No. Neither the '97 nor the '04 has anything but "4 HI -N- 4 LO" as options on the selector. My brothers '04 WJ Laredo w/4.0L has the option of 2HI or different levels of 4WD.

seed

Select-trac is standard on laredo 4.0's.While they can be found on other models,as it was an option with different packages throughout the years,it isn't very common. All 249's(ZJ),247's,147's(WJ) have no "2WD" option on the t-case shifter.

ol"blue

Thanks seed. I knew you'd have the info.