Viscous coupler

HarleyTyson · 07-13-2005, 08:22 PM

Please tell me if this sounds right or not.

My 98 Grand Cherokee Limited (5.9) has experienced recent problems with a slipping sensation somewhere in the drivetrain. It's very noticeable when turning the steering wheel at full lock and making a tight turn. It's more apparent when the car is cold.

Took it to a mechanic today, and he said it could be the viscous coupler that needs replacement, which is an expensive fix. He won't know until some more "diagnostics" are done on it.

Is this a common problem, and how expensive is it to replace a viscous coupler? Oh, and what is a viscous coupler?

**Texas ZJ1** · 07-13-2005, 08:25 PM

Harley,

you need to do some searching on this one.

However, the VC is a part of the 249 that does wearout and will need to be replaced. They are roughly 1K to repair.

Hunter

HarleyTyson · 07-13-2005, 09:12 PM

Not being a mechanic, or anything close, what kind of research is there to do? And what is "the 249?"

Thanks,

anticrombie · 07-13-2005, 09:13 PM

the 249 is the transfer case that you have, and i think by research he meant things like searching for other threads about it on here and stuff

greasefingers · 07-14-2005, 05:11 AM

Read this thread and see if this is the problem.

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showt...494#post466494

HarleyTyson · 07-14-2005, 09:23 AM

Thanks for the help. This does describe the symptoms I'm feeling. Sounds like I should prepare for about a $1,000 job.

greasefingers · 07-14-2005, 11:07 AM

Believe me … you are not alone here!

JamesEric · 07-14-2005, 01:40 PM

Transfer Cases Unlimited puts the 247 workings in the 249 case for a direct fit and no more viscous coupler. I'm sure somebody on this board would have the number.

01grander · 07-14-2005, 02:05 PM

Swap it for a 242 and others may suggest a 231.

**Texas ZJ1** · 07-14-2005, 08:13 PM

I posted a thread about transfercases unlimited a couple months ago.

The 249 has an average life span of just over 130K. They start to show problems after that. My first one lasted over ten years and I really like it so, I just had it rebuilt.

Hunter

**Texas ZJ1** · 07-14-2005, 08:19 PM

Understand this also, the other transfercases that fit don't give you better gas mileage. The idea that the 2wd will increase your mileage in the 5.9 is a myth.

Hunter

If you're used to the 249, find another and be happy!

HarleyTyson · 07-15-2005, 02:37 PM

Tell me if this doesn't look right. After 2 1/2 days, I finally got an estimate from the shop for the viscous coupler replacement (plus new brake pads and possible turning of the rotors). Total cost: Just under $2,300.

They say because I have a 5.9 engine that was only used three years on the Jeep (I'd thought it was used only in 98), that the VC is available only through the dealer, at a cost of $1,290 for the part only (that doesn't included installation). In reading other threads, I'd thought this was about a $400 part (is it the 5.9 that makes the difference?)

Brakes alone were to cost $600.

Needless to say, I've got to think about this before spending that kind of money.

**Phil Gerard** · 07-15-2005, 03:25 PM

I'll be interested in what others have to say but I think you're being fleeced. I searched and while the 5.9 has a unique transmission (the 46RE) I could find nothing special about it's transfer case or it's Viscous Coupler. I could be wrong and for the increased horsepower possibly there is a unique VC but I doubt it.

You could buy a rebuilt TC for less than $800 and a mechanic familiar with this process can do it in 3 to 4 hours tops.
I'm having my 249 replaced with a 242 including the bezel and the VIC change ( just accessing the rear of the VIC and changing the plug connection) for $1000.
The $600 for the brakes is also a concern. Unless your replacing the rotors - get a second opinion (estimate).

Phil

Someone's always willing to take your money!

HarleyTyson · 07-15-2005, 03:39 PM

Even if I do have to spend the $2,300 to get this fixed, I'm wondering if it's all worth it. With close to 120,000 miles on the car, can anyone tell me what other big-ticket items it's likely to need?

zaq123 · 07-15-2005, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil Gerard

I'll be interested in what others have to say but I think you're being fleeced. I searched and while the 5.9 has a unique transmission (the 46RE) I could find nothing special about it's transfer case or it's Viscous Coupler. I could be wrong and for the increased horsepower possibly there is a unique VC but I doubt it.

You could buy a rebuilt TC for less than $800 and a mechanic familiar with this process can do it in 3 to 4 hours tops.
I'm having my 249 replaced with a 242 including the bezel and the VIC change ( just accessing the rear of the VIC and changing the plug connection) for $1000.
The $600 for the brakes is also a concern. Unless your replacing the rotors - get a second opinion (estimate).

Phil

Someone's always willing to take your money!

Is your VC going bad? I love my 249. I think it's the best thing since pepsi-cola