2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Feels like four wheel drive

[AMink]

When I come out of a turn (either direction), I get a feeling like I'm in 4wd on pavement when I'm not. I notice this mostly in parking lots at low speed. Almost like a pulse. Driving down the road, sometimes I get a slight wobble, but it's intermitent. I had the truck aligned recently, the tires have been balanced, and I have Luke's links in. It's driving me nuts. Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[terrywerm]

This is just a hunch, and the first thing I would look at: U-joints in the steering knuckles. If one is getting tight, it could cause that type of feel. The problem is that there is no way of knowing if one has gone tight without removing it to find out.

 

[Tardog]

I'm thinking it might be your limited slip dif (if equiped) Sounds like it is working properly. Does this happen when you are on a loose or slippery surface. If not then this sounds like it is. (not a problem)

 

[AMink]

Guess I'll have to start digging in. I haven't done the steering knuckles yet. I don't have LS, and the feeling actually makes the steering wheel "jerky" coming out of the turn. I'm sure it's up front... somewhere! My right front tire is starting to scallop just a little. Maybe too much toe? I am thinking of going back to an alignment shop instead of a tire shop to have it done again. Bums me out that I finally get the engine going in the right direction and now the steering is going south. The other thing is this started when I went to 255's from 285's. Wonder if that has something to do with it.



Terrywerm, is it hard to change the knuckles? Thanks

 

[Kissfan113]

i had the same feeling when i first got my truck, check the u joints first, then if that doesn't seem to be te problem, look in other areas, my money would be on a u joint.

 

[LOtero]

Sounds like fron diff u-joints to me. possibly cad malfunction also locking the front diff in 4x4.

 

[sethAdams]

When I come out of a turn (either direction), I get a feeling like I'm in 4wd on pavement when I'm not. I notice this mostly in parking lots at low speed. Almost like a pulse. Driving down the road, sometimes I get a slight wobble, but it's intermitent. I had the truck aligned recently, the tires have been balanced, and I have Luke's links in. It's driving me nuts. Any ideas? Thanks!

I would almost bet its the u-joints on the axle being that the truck is a 97 if youve never changed them before. Had the same problem on my old 95 dodge. becides for the low cost of u-joints and the trucks age its worthwhile to change them anyway especially if you plan on keeping the truck for a while because their bound to fail sometime anyways.

 

[AMink]

After work today, I'm going to NAPA to pick up ball joints and ujoints. Anyone know of a good place to find install directions? I have the Haynes manual, but it's a little lacking in this area. Thanks

 

[Boondocker]

It sounds like you're in 4WD despite what your shifter indicates. I'm very familiar with the sensation. My Jeep ZJ has the same front end design as our trucks except for the CAD because the transfer case is different. My Jeep has the NV249, which is fulltime 4WD. The front drive shaft and axle are CV jointed, not U-joints. A couple of years ago, I replaced the stock front CV-jointed axles with "heavy-duty" U-jointed axles. With these axles, low speed cornering, such pulling into and out of parking spaces, caused this wobbling effect. Other ZJ'ers with the NV241 transfer case that has 2W-High don't report this effect. It finally bothered me enough that I put the stock axles back in. Much smoother now.



While you would be well served to replace U-joints and ball joints, I recommend that you diagnose your front axle disconnect system if the problem persists after the new parts.



Neil

 

[AMink]

Turns out the drive side u-joint had one dried out bearing set. When I pulled the axle and all out, I could move it one direction, but hardly at all in the other. All smooth now! So I decided to put in a new steering damper. I'm having a heck of a time getting the old on off. Heat, enough oil to keep the Tenderloin District happy, hammers, still stuck. I can't find a picklefork small enough to do it. I'm probably going to have to take the whole tie rod and all off so I can get a good shot at it. That's what nights are for!