87 Comanche won’t move in gear. Tires spin in gear if rear end is lifted.

[Mike10]

I have a 1987 2.5 liter inline 4 Comanche. Standard transmission. 2WD. It has been driving good except the other day I got a bad death wobble. Once I stopped, i put it back in gear but the Jeep wouldn’t move as if it was in neutral. Had to get towed home. I wanted to know if the transmission was actually engaged and if there was anything wrong with the rear end because of it not wanting to move. So I lifted the rear end up on Jack stands, and had a friend see if the rear wheels were turning while in gear. They were. As if there was no issue. I figured maybe my front calipers had seized but I was able to freely spin the front wheels by hand. However, once I put it back on the ground, it won’t move, not even in reverse. It tries to, but won’t. Clutch was fine before all this, but maybe that’s the issue? Or could it still be the rear end? I’m thinking of pulling the cover off the diff in the next few day.. but I’m still skeptical on the actual issue.. Any help/ideas are appreciated. 

[speeding_infraction]

Is the engine revving when you let the clutch out?

[Mike10]

If I use throttle it will, otherwise no. 

[speeding_infraction]

So if you give it throttle and let out the clutch like you normally would it just revs? Is the engine trying at all to move the truck?

[Mike10]

Correct. And yes it tries to move but doesn’t. Maybe moves about an inch… It acts as if the parking brake is engaged, but I double checked all the brakes, and all is good there. 

[Mike10]

Turned out the death wobble caused the clutch to fail. Half of it exploded and was all inside the bell housing. Not sure how that exactly happened but I guess it shook it too hard ? Anyway, I replaced the whole clutch system and it’s back on the road. Waiting on new suspension parts to take care of the death wobble. 

[Gojira94]

Well done, and thanks for the follow-up. 

[Pete M]

old trucks are fun.   keep at it.  you're doing great.