91exploringburban
Observer
I have heard rumors of issues withe grand cherokees? four wheel drive system? if so what are the issues and some of the solutions to the issues ?
grand cherokee??
- Thread starter 91exploringburban
- Start date
theksmith
Explorer
pretty vague there...
perhaps you're referring to the failure of the viscous coupler in the first gen grands (ZJ's) with AWD (the np249 transfer case)? other than that, there is no specific issue i'm aware of. The limited slips in the quadra-drive versions are great as long as you don't go over 31's, after that they become useless pretty quick. Then the only problem if you have a quadra-drive is that the carrier and axles shafts are different than the non-QD ones and people only make lockers for the non-QD ones.
where are you headed with this? are you looking to buy a GC? what year range? what are your plans for it?
perhaps you're referring to the failure of the viscous coupler in the first gen grands (ZJ's) with AWD (the np249 transfer case)? other than that, there is no specific issue i'm aware of. The limited slips in the quadra-drive versions are great as long as you don't go over 31's, after that they become useless pretty quick. Then the only problem if you have a quadra-drive is that the carrier and axles shafts are different than the non-QD ones and people only make lockers for the non-QD ones.
where are you headed with this? are you looking to buy a GC? what year range? what are your plans for it?
Backwoods Rambler
Explorer
:iagree:
That's the first thing I think of when folks refer to the grands 4wd problems. Fortunately its an easy fix if you're handy with a vehicle. :ylsmoke:
91exploringburban
Observer
yes that is what i was talking about... We just bought a V8 96 grand cherokee limited with the quadra trac system in it.. Just curious if they are known for problems and what can i do to fix them.. I have heard you can just replace the transfer case with a i believe a np231? and also put normal non cv drive shafts in them.... just wanted to get some more details so i can be better prepared
BigDaveZJ
Adventurer
Yup. The 249 case in ZJ's is prone to viscous coupler failures. However, the failure itself isn't typically one that will leave you problems. There is some slip in the coupler to allow the front and rear driveshafts to spin at slightly different speeds making it easier to turn the vehicle. When the coupler fails, it's basically like driving around in 4Hi on a regular part-time case. This of course will lead to other problems as it puts a lot of stress on the steering components and tires. An easy test is to make several lock to lock figure 8 turns once the vehicle is completely warmed up (drive it for 15-20 minutes, not just the engine being warm). If it can idle through the turns, you're good to go. If it bucks and hops, your coupler is toast.
There is also another reason people swap out 249's, but you're lucky enough to have the 96-98 version. The earlier 93-95 249's still used the viscous coupler in 4Lo. This is not a disadvantage for 99.9% of ZJ's out there, but in a steep climb situation where the front axle does not have much weight on it, the t-case can actually send all of the power to the front tires, and you go nowhere at all. For the 96-98 249 the driveshafts are locked together as they should be in 4Lo.
I originally put this write up on swapping t-cases together in like 2002 before I had a digital camera, but some others have chimed in with some pics: http://www.mallcrawlin.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2781
Edit: Also, for the front driveshaft, most people just grab a regular pinion yoke (u-joint style) off a D30 and swap out the yokes as your pinion yoke is a CV style. Then slap in a new driveshaft. If your case is good now, you can swap driveshafts now, and it will still work when you eventually swap t-cases. This is one of those "MUST-DO" ZJ mods for anyone who plans on lifting it or wheeling their ZJ. I blew up 3 of these style driveshafts, all before I even lifted it.
getlost4x4
Expedition Leader
i have a 94 with the QT. its pretty much shot as well.
mine was not maintenance much when it got to its last owner. so, i've been trying to get it back up where it should be. other then that, the only other issue ive had is the driverside door wiring. and its not running right right now. but i think its a spark issue or a bad fuel pump.
i still have not figured out which Tcase to go with . i want the front and rear driveshafts locked together when i'm in 4hi and 4 low. like a center locking diff.
mine was not maintenance much when it got to its last owner. so, i've been trying to get it back up where it should be. other then that, the only other issue ive had is the driverside door wiring. and its not running right right now. but i think its a spark issue or a bad fuel pump.
i still have not figured out which Tcase to go with . i want the front and rear driveshafts locked together when i'm in 4hi and 4 low. like a center locking diff.
Root Moose
Expedition Leader
Put in a NV242 (Select-Trac).
getlost4x4
Expedition Leader
selectatrac it is. now i just need to get one out of the junkyard
Xjaddiction
Observer
I've got a Tereflex HD 231, really nice to have in the Niner. The only problem I have is all that power going to the rear on rainy days with the LS in the 44, and I'll get some major tire spin on a hill. Fun though, and I'm used to it.
Going to rebuild the case and add two lo to the t-case. Great to have on boat ramps, where you have to make a turn at the top.
Going to rebuild the case and add two lo to the t-case. Great to have on boat ramps, where you have to make a turn at the top.
91exploringburban
Observer
when i switch out the front drive shaft will one out of a xj bolt rite in or do i need to do anything special ?
91exploringburban
Observer
what do you like about the quadra trac setup so much? have you had any of your jeeps in a situation were one wheel is off the ground?
winkosmosis
Explorer
Quadratrac II is open diffs so that's not why he likes it. You're thinking of Quadra Drive.
The advantage over Selec Trac is that QTII is full time
The advantage over Selec Trac is that QTII is full time