steering wheel jerks when turning

[powellcrazy]

I don't know if I am explaining this well or not, but here it goes. After making a turn in the jeep on paved roads, the steering wheel jerks or slight occilation back to center, (almost like it does when in 4wheel drive, or at least what I have experianced with other 4X4 vehicals. What would cause this?
I just had a slight lift (2" puck) and 32" BFG AT KOs put on. I didn't notice this before or right after the tires where put on. I had the lift and tires put on the day after I bought the jeep.

Any help as to point me in the right direction to solve this would be great.

It is a '99 sport

Thanks

[00TJ4L]

Welcome to the board. Sounds like you are stuck in four wheel drive(this is entirely possible thanks to the junk linkage on TJs). I dont know how to do it, because I have never had this problem, but I am sure someone ont he board will tell you how to manually put it in 2wd from under the Jeep. HTH

[trainbrainmike]

Originally posted by 00TJ4L:
Welcome to the board. Sounds like you are stuck in four wheel drive(this is entirely possible thanks to the junk linkage on TJs). I dont know how to do it, because I have never had this problem, but I am sure someone ont he board will tell you how to manually put it in 2wd from under the Jeep. HTH X 2....but may be power steering belt, but this is much less likely

[powellcrazy]

Thanks for the replies!

After driving a couple days later, no jerking, smooth steering. Most likely the 4X4 was stuck like mentioned above.

Is there a fix for this?

Does anyone know how to manualy disengage the 4X4?

[Jerry Bransford]

Backing off on the gas pedal a bit when shifting back into 2wd significantly helps speed up the process of getting back into 2wd.

[powellcrazy]

What about shifting back and forth stopped and it still sticks?

[Jeepster61611]

Try running in reverse about 5 feet after you disengage 4wd. Always works for me. HTH


Welcome to the board, and Jeep wave from IL!

[powellcrazy]

Still having issues with jeep staying in 4X4, I have been trying everything to get it to unlock the front end, but nothing is working for me.

Anyone know how to manually disengage the front end???

[Knuckelhead]

Originally posted by powellcrazy:
What about shifting back and forth stopped and it still sticks? It sounds like you might need to adjust the linkage above the left-hand side of the transfer case (TC). There’s a rod with a bracket and a bolt for holding the rod in place where you can set the proper adjustment. Have you bought a manual yet? While not moving, sometimes the TC will not allow the full range of TC selection. While not moving, bumping the clutch (manual) or shifting to neutral, back to drive and back to neutral (auto) will sometimes help with TC shifting. I usually shift the TC while moving at 1-2 mph for low range. Welcome to the board…IMO HTH

[4plugz]

It's a TJ problem you incurred by putting in a body lift. The shifter bracket is on the tunnel instead of the t-case. When you did the body lift, it threw everything out of whack. Someone out there does make a relocation bracket I believe. Perhaps OhioYJ put something about it in the FAQ, or you may try searching for the bracket on the Quadratec site, or some other jeep parts sites.

HTH

[Chay Wesley]

You may already be aware of this, but I thought I'd through it out there just in case... Don't drive it on dry pavement while it's stuck in 4wd....you will break things.

[luckeeluke]

It's probably that the two inch body lift did something to keep the 4wd engaged. . .

If it actually is in still 2wd and you still get a jerking of the steering wheel while turning or it is hard to turn. . . check the front axle u-joints or even the upper and lower ball joints- any of these might be binding and causeing the vehicle to feel like it is in 4wheel drive also.

if it isn't a trasfercase issue then bigger tires will definitely push a worn u-joint to it's demise.