4wd makes noise

[tkgibbs27]

when i engage my truck into 4wd it makes this loud noise, not really sure what it is. sometimes it'll say it's in 4wd, but it won't move. sometimes it goes right in without any problems and works good. another problem is when you take it out of 4wd it makes that loud sound, almost sounds like grinding but i don't think it is. i think there might be something in the tubes clogging it, but i am not really sure.

 

i was thinking about switch my 4wd to an electronic operated system rather than the hydraulic system it has. what do you guys think?

[LocoJeeper]

When does this noise happen? All the time? Just when you first engage it?

 

Where does the noise come from? Front? Middle? Rear? Left or Right? Hi or low?

 

The system isn't hydraulic... it is a mechanical linkage. Far more reliable than any switch will be... and it would be a whole lot of work to switch it... don't believe i've even ever seen it done to an XJ/MJ platform.

[Pete M]

The T-case is a mechanical linkage, the front axle disconnect is switched by vacuum.

[tkgibbs27]

the noise only happens when i engage it just about any time. it doesn't happen all the time though, it'll go in smooth, but "every" time i disengage it, it makes that sound.

 

i am pretty sure it's coming from the front somewhere. you can feel it in the handle when shifting out of 4wd and sometimes into 4wd. coming from 4L to neutral there is not sound. but from neutral to 2wd is when it really makes the sound.

 

my bad, i meant to say vacuum system, not hydraulic, i was reading something about a hydraulic system for something completely different and must have put that instead. i am not thinking about switching the mechanical parts off, just whether it uses the vacuum system or an electronic system. i don't know if it's possible to keep everything as is, except for switch vacuum with electronic. i would think an electronic system would be far more reliable seeing as how if you get a clog in the vacuum tubes the 4wd won't work or the tubes get punctured especially if you are out off roadin'. it'd be hell replacing 'em. replacing wires is just a matter of looking in the right place at home or the tool box in your truck or finding where the short is, taping the wire back together or putting it back in place if it slips out.

[Oizarod115]

 

my bad, i meant to say vacuum system, not hydraulic, i was reading something about a hydraulic system for something completely different and must have put that instead. i am not thinking about switching the mechanical parts off, just whether it uses the vacuum system or an electronic system. i don't know if it's possible to keep everything as is, except for switch vacuum with electronic. i would think an electronic system would be far more reliable seeing as how if you get a clog in the vacuum tubes the 4wd won't work or the tubes get punctured especially if you are out off roadin'. it'd be hell replacing 'em. replacing wires is just a matter of looking in the right place at home or the tool box in your truck or finding where the short is, taping the wire back together or putting it back in place if it slips out.

its not even that complicated! far simpler, no switches necessary.

 

remove the vacuum stuff altogether and shim the selector fork over to engaged position... they did away with this on AWD models and all jeeps newer than 95 so its not like its even necessary or practical, just one more thing to break.. you could also remove the 2 peice shafts and replace with the new style long shaft although yuo'd have to replace the inner diff seal.

 

if you can feel it in the handle then it might be internal t-case problems as you shouldnt be able to feel the axle through the linkage...

[Wildman]

You might want to check / adjust the T-case linkage, it sounds like it's popping out of gear, I had this problem after a clutch change, took me 3 times to get the linkage right. Also check ALL the front U-joints, one bad one would cause a clunk. When was the last time you checked / changed the t-case fluid??

 

At worst, put the truck up on jack stands, and turn the front drive shaft by hand to see if it engages, or loose, or turning the rear drive shaft when in 4wd.

 

I wouldn't change out the vacuum system, but would lock the front CAD if your having problems with the shift motor, or replace the shift motor.

 

IIRC......when you shift out of 4wd to 2wd, the front stay locked for a short time, or back up 20+ feet to unlock the front axle.

[Pete M]

If it helps at all, this is the procedure for adjusting the linkages.

 

[tkgibbs27]

i will check it out when i get back home, i am heading up to tacoma for a day or two.

[tkgibbs27]

well i had to use the 4wd last night. was heading up to a friends house for a party last night and the snow started packing on and couldn't get up the hill, i was surprised it was already slick. but i popped it into 4H and it ran smooth and came out with no problems, no noise. until i tried to pop it into 4L and it wouldn't go in, started making that noise again, then it wouldn't go back into 2wd without making that noise as well. i ended up driving down to the gas station after awhile to pick up smokes for my friend and it went right back into 4H with no problem. so i think there's something wrong with 4L. not sure though. what do you guys think?

[CWLONGSHOT]

So, did you check and re-adjust the linkage?

Really sounds like a linkage adjustment problem, as you where able to get it in 4WD this time and not last....

 

CW