Morning,

My dad recently picked up a clean 01 Cherokee with 110K miles on the clock.

I'm handling the build for him but I need your help to figure out a front diff issue.

I just completed installing a RC 4.5 X series lift with a TC drop. Everything bolted up nice and we drove it without issues to the allingment shop.(slight vibes)

On the way home I cruised over to the local fireroads to check out any squeaks and rattles.

Here is where the issues come in.

My dad put it in part time (seems kind of tough to shift) we moved a couple feet at a snails pace and I could hear some grinding so I got out and walked beside the front for a couple more feet and it seems to be the front diff.

Needless to say we put it back in 2x4 and drove home.

I pulled the front diff plug and it looked pretty low so I added probably 2-3 cups of gear oil. (I'm using that as a measurement becuse I was transfering from a gallon jug to a funnel with a paper cup)

Once it got to the fill plug it oozed the darkest oil sludge I have ever seen...

My guess is this thing has been into 4x4 maybe 5x its entire life and I imagine the front diff fluid has only been changed 0-2 times (owned by a surfer that kept it bone stock and didn't really know how to turn a wrench)

My next move is to pull the front diff cover and to inspect the gears and clean/re oil.

After that its beyond me for gears or inspecting the transfer case for issues.

Any ideas?

 

If it was that low, the bearings might be toast. When you pull the cover, check for metal shavings or chunks. Then rotate the ring and pinion to inspect for visable damage.

 

Are you sure it was the front diff, doubt the surfer changed the tranny fluid in the t-case either plus with the drop you need to adjust the linkage or else it may not fully engauge.

 

Would it be grinding while in 2x4 ?

Do the front gears move while not engadged?

 

Dosent the power to the rear go through the transfer case full time?

 

It does but the chain doesn't spin until you engauge 4 wheel. That could be what you're hearing. And yes the front would grind in 2 wheel also.

 

Yes, the gears turn but don't receive any power from the engine unless the transfer is in 4x4. Check the Tcase fluid level also.

 

did you adjust the shifter linkage after dropping case ????????

 

the best drop kits come with a linkage drop bracket but still must be adjusted

 

nope...lol

Nothing about that in the rc directions

 

I have read of chains breaking or there being messed up teeth.

I'm going to clean the front diff and check the transfer case fluid. Could the drinding be the transfer case and you would only hear it in 4x4?

 

any directions for TC drop linkage adjustments?

 

that where id start if the tc is not being shifted all the way into 4wd its gonna grind .....

 

loose nut and shift lever into 4wd then shift tc lever in to 4wd and tighten nut if you installed the lift the linkage should be self explanatory