Is this drive line bind?

[GregBelleville]

I've noticed an issue that arises when wheeling my Jeep that seems to have started since installing a lunchbox locker in my front axle.

It always happens when I'm in a situation where traction is very limited typically when climbing in the rocks in very off camber positions.

When it happens, my rpms rise like I'm in neutral and it's like the transmission isn't engaging, I get no wheel spin, just engine revs. I'm usually in a spot where if I put it in reverse to reposition and put it back in drive then it reengages fine and I continue on my way.

Does what I'm describing sound like drive line bind, or do I have something else going on?

 

[CharlesHS]

I would check your transmission fluid level...

 

[GregBelleville]

I would check your transmission fluid level...

This issue occurred just yesterday on a wheeling trip in the mountains. I verified transmission fluid was at correct level prior to the trip.

I have no other ill symptoms with the 32rh.

The transfer case fluid was just changed prior to this trip as well.

 

[CharlesHS]

Almost sounds like the locker is disengaging...
Try jacking the Jeep off the ground (chock rear tires) and test spin the front tires to see if both tires turn in the same direction.
Lower one side of the Jeep and test spin the other tire; IF the tire spins freely the locker is not engaging.
Perform same test with other side. IF that tire spins freely then you should consider inspecting the lunch box locker.

 

[DuckNut]

This issue occurred just yesterday on a wheeling trip in the mountains. I verified transmission fluid was at correct level prior to the trip.

I have no other ill symptoms with the 32rh.

The transfer case fluid was just changed prior to this trip as well.

The to is a simple machine operated by a chain. If there is input there will be output...unless you shred the gears. This is not your problem.

I am not sure but my guess is the trans is slipping. Either slipping internally or slipping into neutral. I may be wrong but drive line bind is where the front and rear wheels are traveling at different speeds (this is why you don't use 4wd on dry pavement).

 

[GregBelleville]

I am not sure but my guess is the trans is slipping. Either slipping internally or slipping into neutral. I may be wrong but drive line bind is where the front and rear wheels are traveling at different speeds (this is why you don't use 4wd on dry pavement).

I'm going to completely flush the trans and replace the filter soon, so we'll see if that turns up or resolves anything.

I agree with you that drive line bind is not accurately describing what's going on with my situation.

 

[Rickyd]

If it sounds and feels like the gas and brake are applied at the same time that would be a bind of some type. You should be able to feel that through the chassis. If it was a slipping trans you should feel the chassis relax from the lack of torque. If you are mindful of the two conditions it might help?

 

[GregBelleville]

If it sounds and feels like the gas and brake are applied at the same time that would be a bind of some type. You should be able to feel that through the chassis. If it was a slipping trans you should feel the chassis relax from the lack of torque. If you are mindful of the two conditions it might help?

This only happens in situations where I'm pretty crossed up which is what led me to thinking this was some sort of bind. I don't understand why the engine is revving without any wheel spin, but only in these situations.

 

[Rickyd]

This only happens in situations where I'm pretty crossed up which is what led me to thinking this was some sort of bind. I don't understand why the engine is revving without any wheel spin, but only in these situations.

How does the motor act? You can hear the difference in engine noise between increased load or a lightening of it.

If you are flexed out with lockers I wouldn't be surprised if it just takes more power(and torque converter slip) to move

 

[GregBelleville]

How does the motor act? You can hear the difference in engine noise between increased load or a lightening of it.

If you are flexed out with lockers I wouldn't be surprised if it just takes more power(and torque converter slip) to move

This could be a real possibility. I've never driven a SFA with a locker.

I may experiment next time this occurs to continue to apply more throttle to see if i can get some power to the wheels.

 

[DuckNut]

This only happens in situations where I'm pretty crossed up which is what led me to thinking this was some sort of bind. I don't understand why the engine is revving without any wheel spin, but only in these situations.

Depending on the angle I could imagine there being a lack of fluid at the pickup tube. I think the tube is on the right side so a steep incline along with a hard right bank might allow a gulp of air to get sucked up. Vice versa if the tube is on the left.

 

[ColoJeep]

When you say " revs up without wheelspin " is it 3000 - 4000 rpm or 1800 - 2500 rpm ?

 

[GregBelleville]

When you say " revs up without wheelspin " is it 3000 - 4000 rpm or 1800 - 2500 rpm ?

I would say its closer to 2000 rpm range, I've never tried revving it higher than that in these situations in fear that if I am bound up somehow that I'm going to break something.

 

[GregBelleville]

Depending on the angle I could imagine there being a lack of fluid at the pickup tube. I think the tube is on the right side so a steep incline along with a hard right bank might allow a gulp of air to get sucked up. Vice versa if the tube is on the left.

@hear any thoughts on this theory?

I could try adding more fluid to the trans to see if that resolves anything? I think I've read 50 posts from Jerry saying it's better to overfill than underfill an auto trans?

 

[ColoJeep]

I would say its closer to 2000 rpm range, I've never tried revving it higher than that in these situations in fear that if I am bound up somehow that I'm going to break something.

Sounds like you're stalling the torque convertor due to high traction with the lockers , since the TJ only acts like that in these high traction situations .
It takes big torque to break tires loose to in high traction situations , guess what doesn't have the huge torque to slip a wheel with grippy traction ....

 

[hear]

I would not think it’s being starved for fluid, the fluid level sits well above the pan. You’d have to be WAY off camber for the pickup to not be able to draw in fluid. The filter is the pickup, and it’s is more or less centered.

Given the rpm you’ve tested to, my initial diagnosis is TC stall. +1 to Colojeep.