ForceFedM3

i just got my 97 grand cherokee limited 5.2l

i'm getting some crazy noises at low speeds i believe coming from the rear diff.
at certain speeds i would hear another noise that may come from the transfer case and it sounds like the belts are squealing.

miles: 139,xxx

i know the transfer case is slowing leaking oil.

anybody know what diy guide to rebuild the front and rear differential?

kevin

JeepFaced

First things first, if you dont have a Haynes manual, get one now. =)

Welcome as well! You're going to get to know your Jeep so well you need to be ready to take it to dinner. However, I wouldn't jump to conclusions that you have to rebuild anything. Start with the basics.

Open up the rubber plug in the rear differential and the servicing plug on the front. Stick your finger in there and see if you have fluid still. If you dont get fluid on your finger in either, fill them to the hole with some Lucas heavy Duty Gear Oil. http://www.lucasoil.com/products/dis...id=12&loc=show

If they leak visibly, get new gaskets and replace them, using the opportunity to inspect your spider gears and all that Jazz for worn condition and loose/broken parts. Get familiar with her. Maybe even take a picture for later comparison. Fill back up with Lucas HD Gear Oil.

Check the transfercase with a 1-13/16" (I think?) socket for the top fluid level plug, and dip your finger in. The transfercase is filled with ATF fluid, which should be a bright red with a funky plastic smell. If it is sludgy, brown/maroon/black, or smells burnt, you know you have some problems. Otherwise, fill it back up with new ATF+4 fluid. Others, correct me if I am worng here, but I believe the TC and Trans fluid is backward compatible only, meaning if the fluid it had originally was ATF+3 you can only use ATF+3 or +4, while +2 will mess it up. So make the issue moot by just going with ATF+4. Might as well get a case of that and 10 quarts of oil while youre at it. Heh. Im not kidding.

All these sounds could simply be coming from lack of lubrication. Grinding, clanking, banging; these things are noisy after sitting a while. Also, you could have corroded exhaust hangers and clamps that SOUND like they might be your differentials. I highly recommend the use of Lucas Oil, Lucas Oil Stabilizers, Lucas Transmission Conditioner, etc. Lucas FTW.

The serpentine belt most likely needs to be replaced. If not, get a new one anyway. Until you get that new belt, Use a 13MM socket or wrench on the tensioner pulley to increase tension on the belt. You can use a tensioner gauge, or just be a man and monkey-*** it down until it takes a "stiff thumb" to depress the belt. What is most likely causing the squealing is the serpentine belt has loosened over time and is rubbing across the water pump pulley (big silver one in middle behind fan) every so often instead of turning it, due to lack of tension. You need to check the tension on the belt at least once a season, it is too easy to do.

Also, I HIGHLY recommend:

http://www.jeep4x4center.com/knowled...ex.htm#service

http://www.jeepforum.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums...splay.php?f=21

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f13/

ForceFedM3

thanks a lot for the great info!! helps me a lot!