Help me diagnose front diff/transfer case issue (01 anniversary)
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Help me diagnose front diff/transfer case issue (01 anniversary)
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?
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?
Last edited by Cole Trickle; 01-09-2012 at 11:32 AM.
#2
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.Slow
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.
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Year: 97
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Engine: 4.0L
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.
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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.
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Year: 1996
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Originally Posted by Cole Trickle
Would it be grinding while in 2x4 ?
Do the front gears move while not engadged?
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#9
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Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
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Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
the best drop kits come with a linkage drop bracket but still must be adjusted
Last edited by freegdr; 01-30-2012 at 04:03 AM.
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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?
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