Front diff going bad?

[Chrisj485]

I have a 1994 Grand Cherokee 5.2 for starters.

A while back, my front drive axles (I believe) started slipping and clunking...basically just making a lot of noise. I had no need for 4 wheel drive so I took out the front drive shaft.

Fast forward to a couple weeks ago, I notice the front diff is leaking pretty bad and I know have a howling sound coming from the front. Sounds like tire noise, but I'm almost positive its not. I have no intentions of fixing the problem unless it will lead to anything else breaking. Which I guess is my question....would leaving the front diff as is cause any big problems besides the diff wearing out?

Thanks for the input

[Test]

You should at least open it up and take a look inside to see what the problem is and then decide if it's ok to leave it. It probably needs a fluid change anyway.

[Windowsrookie]

Removing the front shaft was a bad idea if you have the 249 Transfer case (and unless it was swapped out, you do). Your Jeep will roll when parked, and you probably killed the Viscous Coupler in the transfer case. If your front diff is leaking fluid, when it gets low enough it will overheat, which will be a very, very expensive repair. I suggest you reseal the differential, and get new fluid in there before you fry the bearings.

[Chrisj485]

Originally Posted by Windowsrookie

Removing the front shaft was a bad idea if you have the 249 Transfer case (and unless it was swapped out, you do). Your Jeep will roll when parked, and you probably killed the Viscous Coupler in the transfer case. If your front diff is leaking fluid, when it gets low enough it will overheat, which will be a very, very expensive repair. I suggest you reseal the differential, and get new fluid in there before you fry the bearings.

If I have no intention on ever hooking up the front drive shaft and re-engaging the front transfer case will I be OK as far as damage is concerned. I do plan on resealing the front differential.

[Redsand]

Originally Posted by Windowsrookie

Removing the front shaft was a bad idea if you have the 249 Transfer case (and unless it was swapped out, you do). Your Jeep will roll when parked, and you probably killed the Viscous Coupler in the transfer case. If your front diff is leaking fluid, when it gets low enough it will overheat, which will be a very, very expensive repair. I suggest you reseal the differential, and get new fluid in there before you fry the bearings.

Incorrect, removing the front d/s on a 249 will be just fine. I've done it.

[Windowsrookie]

Originally Posted by Redsand

Incorrect, removing the front d/s on a 249 will be just fine. I've done it.

Incorrect, you have a 96+ 249, he has a pre-96 249, which will roll.

[Windowsrookie]

Originally Posted by Chrisj485

If I have no intention on ever hooking up the front drive shaft and re-engaging the front transfer case will I be OK as far as damage is concerned. I do plan on resealing the front differential.

The problem is, if you have a pre-1996 249 Transfer case, your Jeep will roll in park without that front shaft.

[newfieZJ]

Originally Posted by Chrisj485

I have a 1994 Grand Cherokee 5.2 for starters.

A while back, my front drive axles (I believe) started slipping and clunking...basically just making a lot of noise. I had no need for 4 wheel drive so I took out the front drive shaft.

Fast forward to a couple weeks ago, I notice the front diff is leaking pretty bad and I know have a howling sound coming from the front. Sounds like tire noise, but I'm almost positive its not. I have no intentions of fixing the problem unless it will lead to anything else breaking. Which I guess is my question....would leaving the front diff as is cause any big problems besides the diff wearing out?

Thanks for the input

Could be the wheel bearings , check em out , if you don`t they could cause trouble and should be replaced .

Sounds like you`re VC went south on you , that`s why you had the original issues , no harm frying a bad VC by removing the DS but again , make sure you use your hand brake!!!

The guys are right telling you to at least find out what the problem is . Just because it isn`t "hooked up" , doesn`t stop everything from being a rolling assembly and make problems go away .

Pinion seal leaks are a good sign the problem could be the pinion brg as well , if so , it`s pretty bad to produce noises when no frt DS is there , try grabbing the pinion yolk and check for play , while there , check the frt output yolk on the t-case for the same , removing the frt shaft might overwork the frt output in the case and could also be your noise .

This is what happens when you don`t fix things , problems follow

[outlaw8950]

I don't understand why ya'll are saying the pre 96 249 will roll without the front DS attached?????????? There is nothing to mechanically lock the wheels for the front. Isn't the 249 a 249 regardless of what year it is? Someone please explain this to me so I'll understand the concept.

[ratmonkey]

Originally Posted by outlaw8950

I don't understand why ya'll are saying the pre 96 249 will roll without the front DS attached?????????? There is nothing to mechanically lock the wheels for the front. Isn't the 249 a 249 regardless of what year it is? Someone please explain this to me so I'll understand the concept.

no, the internals were slightly redesigned in the 96+ 249's, likely because of the rolling in park issues(and they wore out faster).

the first run models needed the feedback on the front driveshaft to hold the vehicle where it's parked. with it removed the rear output slowly rotates whichever way gravity takes the vehicle. they also didn't have a lock for 4lo either.