Hey everyone I'm new here on the forum. Sorry to bug but I've been looking all over the web and cant find a definite answer on my issue. I have a 98 grand cherokee laredo, 4.0, automatic transmission, full time awd. I've heard from friends that jeeps transfer cases are known to kind of wear out after lots of use especially a vehicle in full time awd. My truck, in full turn of the steering wheel, tends to make the tires squeal, chirp, and on really fresh, hot pavement, the truck literally feels like the tires are fighting against one another. Now I've discussed the issue with many people and they all tell me it's just the transfer case with high mileage and that most jeeps do that (Truck currently has 178,820miles). I've seen jeeps do the same thing and while all this is occuring there is a constant popping noise coming out of the area of the transfer case.( At least it sounds like it's coming from there.) Now my questions are, is it the transfer case just getting old causing all of these noises or could it be other things too? Also, if i remove the front driveshaft could that possibly put less wear on my transfer case and stop all the horrible noises and movements the truck makes? And could I drive daily with my front driveshaft out? If this is a huge topic discussed and I missed it I apologize I'm just sick of this thing sounding so miserable and I want to fix it myself without speaking to any mechanics.. Thanks again

 

Before you do anything drastic. I would start off by changing the differential fluid. I had a Grand Cherokee with the Quadradrive II and if you don't put the correct fluids in there it will do that. You have to put correct fluid and friction mix, on the AWD

 

Its AWD so you have power to the front and rear so it will give you feed back. Depending on you t-case you may not be able to pull the front shaft and still move i think something about a viscous coupler but i dont remember the model number.

 

Thanks I'll have to look into that as well

I've checked both diffs and the fluids were fine. Even pulled the rear diff cover and cleaned it and put new silicone because I thought the rear end was giving out due to bad fluid or a fluid leak. I'll have to look into more specific fluids with the friction mix. Thanks

 

Make sure you use the correct amount of Friction Modifier and get the one by Chrysler. I think its 2oz for front and 3oz in rear differential but I cant remember for sure. Incorrect amounts will cause the clutch packs to lock and chirp tires as if the setting was 4 Low

 

That's good to know I'll try that out before going crazy and trying to remove the DS and what not. Thanks a lot for all the advice

 

If I try all this stuff that you guys suggest and nothing works, and I decide to pull the front DS out, would it cause harm?

 

Because its full time 4wd, you will get chirping of the front tires on tight turns. Also, is the rig completely stock?

 

Yes sir absolutely bone stock. I understand the chirping on tight turns but even slow turns coming out of a parking spot? And popping noises coming out from underneath the car? And it also has that hesitation too when I back up, like something is causing lots of resistance in the drivetrain.

 

Check all the fluid levels, trans, tc, etc. I saw you checked the diffs so they should be fine unless you find a leak. If there is alot of resistance in the drive line, check the brakes. See if you have a sticking callaper(not spelled right, i know. its that 330 feeling at work haha) and also check that the e-brake is completely disengaged. Check the u-joints. They will cause a popping noise and vibrations in the driveline. Check the front hubs, tre's, and ball joints for play. those will also cause popping noises while turing.

 

should not drive alltime 4wheel with front ds out: damages the tc...do you have the 247 tc?

 

The diffs and transfer case were done probably 15k miles ago but I'm pretty sure I didn't use any friction modifier so I might just do fresh fluids with the modifier at my next oil change and see what happens. My buddy owns a quick lube and said if I bring it in I can work on it in there. Lots of guys say the modifier helped them out. The brakes were just done and the ebrakes gone in my car so that can't be the issue, haha. I haven't checked the u-joints or ball joints yet because I was dead set that it was the tc. The truck still drives fine and everything I'm just embarassed by the noise and I hate bringing friends in the car because it's horrible haha. I'm gonna do one step at a time starting with the simple things and go from there. Hope it's not the VC.

I couldn't tell ya bud I'm really not into the jeep so much. Its bone stock and I've had it since I was 17 and I just try to keep up with normal maintenance so it lasts me while I save for college and purchasing my next vehicle. ( hoping for a wrx or sti )

 

DONT drive with out the front drive shaft if its full time 4wd there a viscious coupler that wears out and with out the front shaft your just going to destroy it and it being a 98 you probably have a 249 type it in on google it will tell you about it

 

http://www.jeepfan.com/tech/jeeptech...es-factory.htm


according to this site i have a 249. The more I read the more I'm resorting to not pulling the DS. I hope it's not the VC

 

I don't know much about the 249 TC so I can't help you there. But, I can't imagine it would be that hard to replace it yourself. I've had my TC cracked open and it was all pretty simple.