I have a 1998 Limited all wheel drive. When I have to turn in smaller parking lots, low speed ans tight turns, the vehicle kind of shudders...

Is this just how this 4 wheel drive reacts to small turning radius? Nothing appears to be running anywhere, just feels like it isn't turning as easily as it should?

Any ideas or solutions?


Thanks!

IBT

Than would be the viscous coupler causing the weird feeling.

^X2. Signs of a t-case in need of a new viscous coupler, or a t-case swap, which could be cheaper.
Welcome to CF.

what is a vicous coupler and what does it do?

It's a device in the t-case to distribute the torque to the front or rear wheels as needed. The 249 t-case was changed in '96 to add a feature in 4-Lo locking the front & rear out-put shafts together. Torque capacity for it is listed at 1,800 ft.lbs.

Is this an expensive repair? Is there any risk of damage being done if it isn't fixed?

Thanks again for the feedback.


IBT

The part alone cost around $450. The shudder you are feeling is driveline bind. Something has to give in order for the vehicle to turn. If you have good traction it may not be the tires that break loose, eventually you will break a u-joint our something more expensive like gears or the case. I replaced my 249 with a 231j from the junk yard for $50. Lost full time but didn't need it. Just read the write up on here about replacement and you should be fine.

Thank you for the info. It is great to know that there are so many knowledgeable and helpful people here.

I will look up the write up and see what questions I have next

Thanks again!

IBT

Stay with these guys! They know of which they speak!

Old retired gearhead. (Or is it retread?)

I didn't know I had a problem until I read this. ( have the same shudder) Is there any other advantage to the 231 t case, will it get better mileage? I have a 5.9 should I go with a 231, 241, or a 242?

The 231 offers the options of: 2-Hi, 4-part time, 4-Hi, N, 4-Lo. The 242 doesn't offer 4-part time. Even in 2-Hi the gears in the front axle still cause drag, so there's no big increase in MPG's IMO.
Regarding the swap, read this first. http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=657807
Then read this write-up w/pics. http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f13/t...-np242-685644/

You have them backwards! The 231 is the 2hi, 4hi, 4lo and the 242 is the 2, 4 part, 4 full, and 4lo

Oh well, I must have a brain fart. At least I didn't forget to post the link to the write-up.

It happens to all of us! I swear it happens to me more than others though............

you have to understand, full time 4wd will have a restrictive feel in the steering wheel, you are pushing 4 wheels, so to speak.

it's normal to feel a slight shudder as opposed to select transfer case.

if it feels like it's binding, then it could be the VC or a CV joint in the front axle.

stick a 242 in 4ft and you will feel the same shudder.

i would go with a 231 if only the 241 wasn't so dang expensive.