4x4 problem. any help appreciated.

[jrob4runner]

I just bought a 1997 4 cylinder, 5 speed, 4x4 today. I was a fool and bought it cash without putting it into 4wd, and now can't contact the seller. I put it in 4wd to get up my driveway and it felt really rough.

It feels like it is bouncing or sticking. It also is pulling really hard to both the right and left at random. Any ideas of what could be wrong or what this would potentially cost to fix.

Thanks for your help.

-Jason

 

[attitudeofgratitud]

Is it actually working? Sounds like my old 93 when I put a lunchbox style locker in the front.

 

[Skybill]

Does you driveway have snow, loose gravel or such? Or is it dry?

In 4WD it will pull and sort of hop if it is on dry pavement.

 

[A.Wilson013]

Interesting problem. I do not agree with Skybill in thinking it is normal...

Is there fluid in the front diff?

Oh, Jesus, does it have stock size tires? If not, did the idiot put larger gears in the rear and was too cheap to do the front?

 

[jrob4runner]

4x4 problem

Thanks for all of your help.

It is going into and out of both 4L and 4H with no problem. It does have the same problem on snow as it does on dry pavement and other surfaces. The tires are stock in size.

I had someone look at it today and they said it may need a new transfer case. Any idea what the cost to fix something like that?

Thanks again!

 

[Nelsonmd]

Thanks for all of your help.

It is going into and out of both 4L and 4H with no problem. It does have the same problem on snow as it does on dry pavement and other surfaces. The tires are stock in size.

I had someone look at it today and they said it may need a new transfer case. Any idea what the cost to fix something like that?

Thanks again!

Uh, that's kind of big. Keep looking for other solutions before you resort to that.

If it is pulling side to side, I wonder if it could be the front diff. Try changing the fluid in both the front diff and transfer case paying special attention to the condition of the gear oil coming out, if there is any metal in the oil or on the magnetic plugs, etc. That could be an easy indicator of a problem. Just remember to remove the filler plug before you remove the drain plug!

 

[jrob4runner]

4x4 problem

I just got a $3600 quote for parts and labor from a mechanic, saying that it needs a new transfer case. I bought it for $3800... He also said that driving it in even 2wd could cause the tranfer case or tranny to "grenade". I will have more details from the mechanic soon.

What should I do, aside from shooting myself in the foot?

Thanks

 

[MAD 69]

It sounds like you really got jobbed. Shoot yourself then call a lawyer, try to track the guy down who sold it to you.

 

[attitudeofgratitud]

If it does need a transfer case. Go used. I see you live Cali. Look up TAP Recycling in Fresno. Here's one Ebay. There easy to replace. You may want a second opinion though. Or atleast a second estimate. Transfer Case 16816 ASSY,AT,T-CASE,98K OEM - eBay (item 190515224808 end time Apr-21-11 08:26:25 PDT)

 

[Rockdawg84]

I just got a $3600 quote for parts and labor from a mechanic, saying that it needs a new transfer case. I bought it for $3800... He also said that driving it in even 2wd could cause the tranfer case or tranny to "grenade". I will have more details from the mechanic soon.

What should I do, aside from shooting myself in the foot?

Thanks

Use this as an opportunity to upgrade to a better T-Case. Get a Marlin Crawler Lefty. Just Shy of 2000 and you will never have to worry again

Lefty - Left Hand Drop Geared Transfer Case | Marlin Crawler, Inc.

 

[jrob4runner]

4x4 problem

I've had someone else look at the truck and quote me $750 to put in a used t-case with a 3 month warranty instead of $3600 that the original mechanic quoted me. After looking at it though he said that the t-case seemed fine, but that the front and rear diff didn't match and were geared differently. Does anyone know the approximate cost to replace the front diff?

Thank you!

 

[Volley]

Is it possible that the truck was lifted with bigger tires and such previously? Maybe the original owner had regeared to accommodate?

 

[Rockdawg84]

what ever happened here. was it your gearing or did you replace the Tcase

 

[the great him]

yeah my first guess as soon as reading the op was that the front and rear diff has different gearing... i bet someone blew up the rear end, but another one from a wrecking yard and threw it in without checking and they are different... its a simple and fairly cheep fix, plus it gives you a good excuse now to regear to what ever you want...