4WD probs

[HoosierJeeper]

To start...I have Selec Trac with the full time/awd option...so when I say I put it into 4WD that's what I mean!

Over the past month, I've noticed that when I'm in 4WD (shifted just fine) that I hear a rubbing noise...like rubbing your hand over the top circumference of a glass. Speed doesn't change it. Same amount of noise at 20MPH and at 60MPH.

Just recently, when I've gone to put it in 4WD, it seems that it hangs up, like during the shifting process it ticks and clunks (and takes a long time to shift....like maybe 1/3-1/2 mile?, not quick like it did) and the same thing happens when going back to 2WD. The ticking noise isn't consistent though, sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't. It seems like it's coming from right under the driver.

I crawled under it this morning and nothing really looked strange. I checked the driveshaft.

The front end of it (towards the diff) had some back stuff around where it bolts, not greasy feeling really. Noticed in some old pics I had taken of the front drivetrain back in 2009 (for someone considering a 4WD conversion) it had the same black stuff there. And the 4WD worked great then and has until now. On the transfer case side, the boot (or is it missing?) wasn't torn, I didn't see grease splattered anywhere. Here are some pics:

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Notice how the shaft isn't centered...is that normal or indicative of a bad joint? And could that missalignment be the reason that the shifting is messed up? And the strange noises? If this looks normal, is the issue deeper routed like in the tcase or front diff? :blah::thumbsdown:

Thanks much, I really appreciate any help on this!

 

[Porkchop]

It's bad looks torn to me and looks like you can see inside the boot.

 

[tommudd]

It's bad looks torn to me and looks like you can see inside the boot.

Looks like it to me as well
also surprised how dirty it is under there

 

[TheBlueKJ]

Where's the boot!?

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Thanks for the responses...so the boot and the joint are indeed f'ed up. Could this be causing the shifting prob (or is it really a shifting prob- the could the joint be making all the noise and it's actually shifting ok).

And excuse the dirt...will be painting and cleaning as soon as the weather cools down. Already did the WK though.

 

[Porkchop]

Yes it can mess with the shifting not saying for sure it's the only problem but would be a good bet.

 

[dude1116]

Holy blown and torn boot! :jawdrop:

That'll cause some noise for sure. Definitely needs to be replaced. Definitely the best place to start!

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Just wanted to double check...planning on order the kit tomorrow, is it the same for the 231 and 242?

 

[tjkj2002]

The 242 t-case is a finiky t-case and the more miles they have on them the worse it can get.I know some XJ's with the 242 that will not come out of full time.The planets need to be aligned and all that crap before the 242 shifts since it's not a direct shift t-case,it uses check balls and springs to shift unlike the 231 which uses a direct shifting fork.

Tire pressure,fluid condition,and more all play a part in the proper shifting of that t-case.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

That thought crossed my mind...but would that be an "overtime" thing? This happened pretty suddenly..went to shifting fine and quiet 4WD to noisy over the course of 2 weeks or so. Think I'll replace the CV on the driveshaft, obviously it's in bad shape and go from there.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[tommudd]

There are bearings in there
so yes they can go from quiet one day to making a racket the next almost

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Ordered the CV!