4 Wheel Drive/SUVs: Front wheels crimp when I make a sharp turn, limited slip differential, grand cherokee

Question
I have a '94 Grand Cherokee with quadrotrac all wheel drive and 4.0 L I6.  After driving for more than 30 minutes, the front wheels "crimp" (thump) when I make a sharp turn (left or righ) to park.  This problem doesn't appear when the car is cold and hasn't been driven.  I had a mechanic look at it and he checked the front axle and the limited slip differential.  He couldn't find a problem with either.  Do you have any suggestion as what might be the problem. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.  Thx.

Art

Answer
Art,

This could be caused by several failing components.  If you do have a limited slip differential in the front (which is not real common), the clutches may be binding after the gear oil gets warm.  A bad cv/universal on a front axle may cause this.  To a lesser degree, your transfer case may be having some problems, after warming up, and locking in the front end when it's not needed.  I would take the Jeep to another shop that specializes in 4 wheel drives, and get another opinion.  Make sure that the Jeep is warm, and that you can duplicate the problem.  Take the mechanic with you, and show him the problem first hand.

  Carl