smoove

Hi I was wondering what my technical issue with my 93 grand Cherokee. What happens is every other time I seem to drive it in forward or reverse, this only happens when I turn the wheel, my jeep seems to grab a lot more than usual, I can hear a grinding noise, and my jeep slows down like I've hit the brakes. Also I've noticed that my transfer case is leaking, not a lot, but just enough to where I notice it. So my question is what could this problem be? Is it the viscous coupling or the CV or possibly the dif itself that's causing my issue?

ZJ_Ras

Well, we need a bit more info to delve into this for sure, but it sounds like it could be the VC.

Is your ZJ a V6 or V8?

Do you know which model T-case you have? (93-94 V8 ZJ could be NP242 or NP249)

How many miles on the Jeep?

smoove

Also I have checked the transmission fluid and its not low.

smoove

Sorry I'm a little new to the forum. My ZJ is a V8 with the NP-249 t/case. I have only put in 162,487 miles on it.

Bustedback

Chances are pretty high that the viscous coupler is shot. You may want to look into doing an NP231swap.

smoove

Your the second person to say that tonight. So it sounds like I am going to have to do that. Is it going to be a problem when I go to swap it out seeing as if my ZJ is AWD?

ZJ_Ras

Yep, everything matches up. Sure sounds like the VC. Mine went out at about 180k, but your mileage puts your ZJ in the right window for having the notorious coupler go out.

I second the swap to a 242 or 231. The 249 TCase is what makes your Jeep AWD.

If you go to the 242 TCase (was an option on the 93-94 ZJs) you will have 2WD - 4Hi - All time 4(road) - N - 4Lo.

In all time 4 it will be the exact same as your 249 was when new, but you will have the 2WD option as well which might get you slightly better mileage when you don't need the AWD.

dave1123

Check out jeepforum.com/forum/f13/transfer-case-swap-info-np249-np231-np242-685644 for all the info on the different cases.

My personal favorite is the 242.