4wd Quit Working.....Only Have 2wd!!!

2mopar_diesels · **Posted:** Wed May 05, 2010 10:48 pm

Finally was able to go out and test the new JBA steel diff that was installed last week. Was climbing a short, but fairly steep washed-out hill just down the road from the house, and was just about to the top when the CRD slid a bit to the left and then heard a familiar POP!..........Not too loud like a broken CV or when I busted the last two diffs. Regardless, I backed down the hill and when I went to back across the little ditch/creek at the base of the hill, I got stuck cause the front end wasn't pulling and only had rear/2wd. Slight tug from a friend and it was back on pavement. A quick look around, and after trying to spin the front driveshaft, I could tell that nothing in the front end was broken. But still no 4wd, as when I left out, only the rear tires spun. On the short 3mi drive back home, trying several mode selections on the t-case, there were absolutely no strange noises of any kind...............no grinding, no popping, no squealing, no rattles, no vibrations.................nothing!!! So, I felt a little better.

Once home, I jacked the front tires up, while the 4wd shift lever was in 4lo, and the tires would spin along with the driveshaft. So, I figure it never went into 4lo. Drive around a little making sure it was in 4lo, noticing there was none of the normal bucking/binding associated when in 4lo, and try this again. Same as before. Pretty sure now, that something in the t-case either broke or popped out/disengaged and won't lock in the front to get it to pull.

Anyone got any ideas???

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Wed May 05, 2010 11:26 pm

How well matched are the front and rear gears?

The 242 transfer case - the shifter pushes a spring which pushes a gear - if there's any difference front to rear - the transfer case will not engage (tire wear and pressure can also effect this - but you just changed gears - so I'd look there)

If that's the issue - it will generally shift into full time 4wd because of the transfer differential - but not part time or 4 lo

bugnout · **Posted:** Wed May 05, 2010 11:26 pm

Using the link below, I found one used selectrac for $366. I don't think it would be hard to replace. Probably cheaper than the labor to repair it.

http://www.automotix.net/usedautoparts/2005-jeep-liberty-transfer_case-inventory.html

2mopar_diesels · **Posted:** Wed May 05, 2010 11:33 pm

ATXKJ wrote:

How well matched are the front and rear gears?

The 242 transfer case - the shifter pushes a spring which pushes a gear - if there's any difference front to rear - the transfer case will not engage (tire wear and pressure can also effect this - but you just changed gears - so I'd look there)

If that's the issue - it will generally shift into full time 4wd because of the transfer differential - but not part time or 4 lo

Front are 3.73's and still have the box they came in. But seeing how I tested and tried out the 4wd as soon as it was out of the shop, along with many times after that and worked fine. I don't think this is the problem. And the AWD/full time doesn't work either by the way.

bugnout wrote:

Using the link below, I found one used selectrac for $366. I don't think it would be hard to replace. Probably cheaper than the labor to repair it.

http://www.automotix.net/usedautoparts/2005-jeep-liberty-transfer_case-inventory.html

Sure hope it doesn't come to that, but with the luck I've been having lately, I won't doubt anything!!!

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Wed May 05, 2010 11:36 pm

Got a upgraded front diff and moved the wink link,found the new one you sure did.Sounds like it's time for a t-case upgrade.

It never ends....................

Just
Empty
Every
Pocket

Oh and you should have waited at least 500miles and a gear oil change before subjecting the new front gears to some abuse,gears need to be broken in also :2cents:

2mopar_diesels · **Posted:** Wed May 05, 2010 11:42 pm

tjkj2002 wrote:

Got a upgraded front diff and moved the wink link,found the new one you sure did.Sounds like it's time for a t-case upgrade.

It never ends....................

Just
Empty
Every
Pocket

Oh and you should have waited at least 500miles and a gear oil change before subjecting the new front gears to some abuse,gears need to be broken in also :2cents:

Ok Yoda!!!!! We can do without all the wise cracks.......LOL!!! And I wouldn't call what I was climbing today abuse, as I wasn't even on the throttle when the POP! happened. I'm just wondering if it's possible that 4lo wasn't fully engaged and maybe broke the little spring or gear/sprocket that the selector spring engages????

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Wed May 05, 2010 11:47 pm

If you're not hearing any noises - I'd bet on something in the shifter mechanism/linkage - but I don't know what.

2mopar_diesels · **Posted:** Wed May 05, 2010 11:50 pm

ATXKJ wrote:

If you're not hearing any noises - I'd bet on something in the shifter mechanism/linkage - but I don't know what.

Thats what I'm thinking/hoping, cause like I said, there are no noises or vibes of any kind coming from the driveline at all.

JL Rockies · **Posted:** Thu May 06, 2010 12:49 am

Just
Be
Aware that something's jacked-up

DirtyKK · **Posted:** Thu May 06, 2010 12:55 am

JL Rockies... stfu with the bashing and backseat moderating all the d@mn time

JeepinJarhead03 · **Posted:** Thu May 06, 2010 12:59 am

Mine popped out of 4hi awhile back and managed to knock the linkage loose to the TC shifter at the same time, linkage needed to be adjusted, and when the pivot popped forward it shocked the linkage and caused it to come off or something like that

2mopar_diesels · **Posted:** Thu May 06, 2010 2:07 am

Got it fixed I think!.........On the side of the road posting from my cell, full report to come when I get home. Jeepjarhead pretty much said it all though.

Diggerfreek · **Posted:** Thu May 06, 2010 2:16 am

Alright!!!!!!!!

That sounds like good news!

JeepinJarhead03 · **Posted:** Thu May 06, 2010 2:18 am

Good deal dude

2mopar_diesels · **Posted:** Thu May 06, 2010 3:26 am

Back home now. Went out and found a big dirt lot to play around in. Sure enough, the AWD mode worked flawlessly . Was able to get it into 4hi/4lo for a couple minutes, and out of the blue with no warning or sound, all the sudden 4wd quit working. So then, I basically checked and made sure all my tires were aired to spec 1st (a couple were nearly 10psi different). Noticed just the slightest bit of binding in the t-case shift lever also, so I held it back with my right hand while I drove forward. It stayed in this time for good. Think I still need to take it into the shop and get everything adjusted back correctly though.

So, my 1st impression of what might have happened is probably the correct one. I engaged 4lo about 20ft from the bottom of the hill-climb and proceeded up it not knowing the front output wasn't fully engaged. At the top as soon as it got into a good bind with the axles crossed up, it popped out then disengaged 4lo and went into 2lo. In the process, as Jeepinjarhead stated, something bound up the linkage and knocked it out of alignment.

Just glad that nothing serious happened, everything is in one piece, and no broken parts!!!!!

4wd Quit Working.....Only Have 2wd!!!

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