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Please Help with 4x4 driving behavior
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=46389		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  rlanda [ Sat Sep 05, 2009 10:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Please Help with 4x4 driving behavior
Hello all; hope somebody can help me

I own a 2wd KJ and I've been seeking a 4x4 one the last few weeks. After several tries, finally found one that seems to be OK. It's a 06KJ Limited with tow package, skid plates and select-trac. Everything seems to work perfectly, but...

Today I performed a test drive and found three things I need your help in:
1.- I'd never driven a 4x4 vehicle before so when I test drove it, was completely new for me. The test was held in a normal flat street. Engaged 4x4 part time and didn't perceived anything going straight, but when I did a 90 degrees slow turn, the steering turned hard; second, I tried a u-turn and it was extremely difficult, I could perceibe a kind of "hop" and a slight squeak on the wheel going the outside. Is this normal? Repeat, is my first experience in a 4x4, sorry if the question is so obvious but need to know the expected behavior in order to determine if everything is OK.

2.- During the same test drive I could hear a clank coming from behind and to the left, as if it where the rear-left wheel. Owner told me it happens sometimes and he was told that sound were from the transfer case skid plate. I don't believe so... But it was very hard to replicate and could'nt find the exact circumstance under this sound would appear. Only could hear it two or three times and is very slight. What it could be?

3.- Inspecting under the Jeep, found an oil leak that appears to come from the oil pan gasket but I'm not sure. The oil is spread over the underside of the torque converter and is deposited in the upper side of the engine skid plate. I have read that removing the oil pan is not an easy thing to do because it involves removing a lot of components. Altough it's not a serious leak (there is no evidence in the floor), it's something that I'm really worried of. What do you recommend me to do?

It's a real shame because every other aspect of the KJ seems to be OK and the price is very reasonable, but, what if I'm purchasing problems instead of a good product?

As always, thanks for your help; it will be highly appreciated.
Author:  dirt pig [ Sat Sep 05, 2009 10:24 pm ]
Post subject: 
As for "1" Driving in Part-time 4x4.

What you experienced was completely normal. Don't ever do that again. You could have destroyed the transfer case!!. Part time 4x4 is only to be used on low traction surfaces. Driving in P/T 4x4 on bitumen road will cause load up of the transfer case which results in catastraphic failure of the transfer case (Very expensive). If you destroy the car, I'd think that it would be "Consider the vehicle sold!!- You break it, you buy it".

"2" Clunk at rear left.
Was the suspension renewed for the sale?- Could be a new coil settling in.
Old Suspension- Coil could be sagging badly and causing coil bind (contacting of metal sping to metal spring)
If seriously considering this vehicle, have it checked over.

"3" Typical oil leak situation

If it's oil pan, then easy. If Torque converter-Beware.
If seriously considering this vehicle, have it checked over
Author:  wheeee32 [ Sun Sep 06, 2009 2:38 pm ]
Post subject: 
Take it to a trusted mechanic of your choice and have it checked out. If all is good after having it looked over then go for it.
Author:  mrpink417 [ Sun Sep 06, 2009 7:53 pm ]
Post subject: 
dirt pig wrote:
What you experienced was completely normal. Don't ever do that again. You could have destroyed the transfer case!!. Part time 4x4 is only to be used on low traction surfaces.


X2. I only use Full Time 4WD and 4 Low. Full time is for slippery street driving, wet, snow, gravel, etc.... 4 Low is for wheeling.

The only time I have heard of people using 4P/T is for pulling a boat straight out on a wet slip.

Everything else... have someone look at it, it all sounds harmless.

p!nK
Author:  mikey1273 [ Mon Sep 07, 2009 12:30 am ]
Post subject: 
yeah I'm new to real 4x4's and I know stay out of part time mode. Part time is for loose surfaces like stone and gravel, loose ground or slipery road surface only, not dry pavement. 4 part time locks the center differental so the front and rear axles rotate at the same speed, the noise you heard is normal and not a good thing. driving a very short time to test the 4 wheel drive system in part-time I can't think will hurt it but no sharp turns!!!! Use full time for pavement and low for wheeling when the going gets tough or decending steep grades off-road. I have done light off-roading in full time.

You need to find someone you know that is knowelegable about 4x4's and off-roading to give you a show and tell like I did. if you don't have a buddy to show you the ropes read the owner manual so you don't damage the jeep.
Author:  rlanda [ Mon Sep 07, 2009 5:48 pm ]
Post subject: 
Well, thanks for your comments...

As for 4x4 part-time driving, I got what you say (promise not to do that again). But then let me ask you something: What should be done if you're down the trail (part-time engaged because is a difficult terrain) and then you face a tight turn or, in order to avoid some obstacle you have to make a dramatic steering movement? (I'm asking to learn, not to argue you).

On the other hand, does that mean that the sound and tire squeaking does not appear when in full-time mode? What should I expect about driving in 4FT?

About the oil pan leak, I'm negotiating with the owner a price reduction in order to get that fixed. Do you think a $350.00 reduction is fair and worth it?

Again, thanks a lot for your info...
Author:  tjkj2002 [ Mon Sep 07, 2009 9:25 pm ]
Post subject: 
rlanda wrote:
Well, thanks for your comments...

As for 4x4 part-time driving, I got what you say (promise not to do that again). But then let me ask you something: What should be done if you're down the trail (part-time engaged because is a difficult terrain) and then you face a tight turn or, in order to avoid some obstacle you have to make a dramatic steering movement? (I'm asking to learn, not to argue you).

On the other hand, does that mean that the sound and tire squeaking does not appear when in full-time mode? What should I expect about driving in 4FT?

About the oil pan leak, I'm negotiating with the owner a price reduction in order to get that fixed. Do you think a $350.00 reduction is fair and worth it?

Again, thanks a lot for your info...
As far as being part time 4wd on a loose surface(dirt,mud,and such) and you have to make a sharp turn you are perfectly okay to do so since the loose slippery surface allows the driveline to "slip" so no binding occurs.

In full time 4wd it is safe to drive on all surfaces.

I'd get him down more then $350 for the oil pan leak,it will cost much more then $350 to change that oil pan gasket since the cradle or engine needs to be pulled to replace that gasket in a KJ.
Author:  ObiHann [ Tue Sep 08, 2009 7:25 am ]
Post subject: 
Agreeded, don't touch part time till you know you need it. Last winter I found driving in my neighborhood I would be going from ice/deep snow to pavement, so I would be switching from full to part all the time, but never touched part unless I was in the deep snow or ice.
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