Gear noise when tires slip

myjeep3

TJ Enthusiast
Original poster
Joined
Jul 4, 2019
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724
Location
MA
On my ’04 LJ, I hear what sounds like gear noise from the front wheel when the front tires slip. I only hear it when driving on slippery, icy surfaces in 2WD. Is it the differential or the transfer case? Could the transfer case shifter lever be in the wrong position?
 
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You will need to provide more information; such as a video for the forum members to recommend what is causing the noise.

A video of the sound? I’m not sure how I would record that. It sounds more like a chain. If I’m accelerating on a non-slippery surface, I don’t hear it. But if I’m parked in an icy parking lot and try to move by slamming on the gas, I hear the chain noise.
 
A video of the sound? I’m not sure how I would record that. It sounds more like a chain. If I’m accelerating on a non-slippery surface, I don’t hear it. But if I’m parked in an icy parking lot and try to move by slamming on the gas, I hear the chain noise.

Most videos include audio.
Your recent description sounds like either spider gears in the rear differential or the transfer case chain.
You should consider draining the transfer case and rear differential to check for silver sparkly particles.
 
I took the jeep out in snow this morning, and the sound is happening when the shifter is in 2wd position when I step on gas pedal. It doesn't make the noise if I shift it to 4wd high. Also the lever shifts out of 4wd while am driving. So most likely the shifter is the culprit.
 
I took the jeep out in snow this morning, and the sound is happening when the shifter is in 2wd position when I step on gas pedal. It doesn't make the noise if I shift it to 4wd high. Also the lever shifts out of 4wd while am driving. So most likely the shifter is the culprit.

Do you have a motor mount lift installed ?
You need to check the t case shifter adjustment and the mount in the transmission tunnel.
 
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Do you have a motor mount lift installed ?
You need to check the t case shifter adjustment and the mount in the transmission tunnel.

I went under the jeep to inspect the shifter and it doesn't look right. It does get stuck on the tub when I shift. I cant even get it to go in 4Low as it won't move past 4 high. See images, look like something is missing.

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This might be helpful.

I'd disconnect your linkage and shift the transfer case with the lever on the side of the case...test function and then either replace with a Savvy cable shifter or repair your linkage.


-Mac
 
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Do you have a motor mount lift installed ?
You need to check the t case shifter adjustment and the mount in the transmission tunnel.

I did an LS swap last year, and using the Adv Adapter motor mount bracket.
 
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