4 Wheel Drive/SUVs: Jeep 4-wheel drive, jeep cherokee sport, jeep cherokee

Question
Hi Carl,

I bought a 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport a couple of years ago and I used the 4-wheel drive during the winter months.  Never had any problems. However I moved to San Diego 1 1/2 years ago and I hadn't used the 4 wheel drive at all since moving.  I tried it today because someone told me you should put it in 4-wheel gear every few months.  Anyway when I put it in gear today and the front end (I'm guessing the transfer case) was very loud... louder than it should be.  This freaked me out so I tried to put it back into 2 wheel.  It went back into 2 wheel but it took longer than usual.  Could this loud noise be normal since the front transfer case hadn't been in gear in almost 1 1/2 years?  Any suggestions?  It was only in 4 wheel for about 100 feet going 15 mph.  

Thanks,

Mike  

Answer
Mike,

Actually, the transfer case operates the rear end also.  I'm not sure which transfer case you have, but there were 2 different cases, depending on the motor you have.  If you are operating it on pavement, or hard dirt, and put it into full-time 4-wheel drive, you should not have any problems.  If you put it into part time 4-wheel drive, or low range on a hard surface, you can put the transfer case into a bind, causing some problems.  You don't have to drive very far in 4-wheel drive on a hard surface before things try to break.  Full time 4-wheel drive is a different story, as it is designed to be used on pavement.  

If you haven't put it into any 4-wheel drive position in a 1 1/2 years, your front differential may be partially froze up.  I would take the Jeep to a reputable mechanic, and have all the fluids (transmission, transfer case, and differentials) checked, and/or changed.

Carl