Jeepster86

Hello all again! First off I bought the jeep with an out of line transfer case linkage, I have adjusted it accordingly but when I shift into 4 hi everything seems ok untill I hit about 20 mph then I hear a gurgling (not grinding) sound coming from the t-case area that only increases with speed, also the steering understeer very badly when engaged in 4-hi. Now the very funny issue, after shifting back into 2wd the noise still continues, untill the vehicle is put into park or reverse, any help on were to start with this problem would be very much appreciated, Thanks

salad

You're using 4HI on pavement aren't you.

Don't do that. Very bad.

pdowty68

if he's using 4wd on dry pavement, he should go straight to hell. It's not awd. There's a reason why "REAL 4WD" is better. Not like the stupid full time only transfer case in my sisters wj. Np231 is my favorite!

Jeepster86

nope only using it on snowy or icy pavement

Jeepster86

Now my next question would bad fluid cause something of this nature, or should I start by looking at something else in the driveline? I don't think the t-case belt is the issue or else I would still get the described symptoms in 2wd right? Just not real sure where to start with this one

salad

Yes is there any fluid in it? Should be to the bottom of the "fill" hole, nice and red, and not smell burnt.

How much snow and ice are we talking about here? Because those symptoms are classical of a Jeep with NP231 being operated on a surface without enough slippage.

Jeepster86

Haven't actually checked the t-case fluid, but it's slippery enough that I just spin the rear tires in 2wd so I don't think the pavement being dry is the issue, though it is interesting that these symptoms are conducive with dry pavement driving though also correct me if I'm wrong but don't xj's have the 242 (2wd, 4-hi, N, 4-lo)

salad

NP231 shift pattern is 2H, 4H, N, 4L and marketed as "CommandTrac"
NP242 shift pattern is 2WD, 4WD Part Time, 4WD Full Time, N, 4Low and marketed as "SelecTrac".

2H, 4H Full Time, and neutral are the only ones suitable for pavement.

EDIT: whoooops

sycoglitch

fify

OP,

You're saying under steer. How tight you taking turns. And how are you shifting and what are your RPMS like when driving. You sure you not in 4lo by accident. Does sound like you're binding

cruiser54

Haven't checked the fluid level or condition? Are you nuts? Who gives a **** about the shift pattern when there's a possibility the transfer case is dry or full of ****box fluid?

kgm

Check the transfer case fluid! It's probably the fastest fluid swap on the whole vehicle. Don't even bother checking, just put new in!

cruiser54

Nah. Just get an XJ and drive it like you stole it. You know for sure the PO did stellar maintenance on it, don't you ? The diffs are full of fresh and clean fluid, the trans was just serviced, transfer case is full, engine oil is clean with a quality filter. Go for it!!!!

belvedere

cruiser, I wish you'd stop sugar-coating it, and tell us how you really feel.

salad

You're right, it's very possible someone put Renix motor oil into a transfer case.

cruiser54

Sorry. I'm kinda non-commital and wishy-washy.......

I get so tired of these guys acquiring a "new to them" vehicle and just driving it without spending any time checking it out. The, it's "Damn Jeep, ain't been nuttin' but trouble. Piece of ****!".