95 Grand Cherokee limited questions

[ibyers1]

I finally have the ZJ running!! I managed to get the engine swapped with no major troubles.

I have a few questions.

I get a error message on my information center indicating that the 4 wheel switch is bad. The switch was replaced but it is still doing it. I searched for other people having the same problem and it seems that it could be a faulty VIC.  I don’t have the manual for my jeep so not sure what it means when the wheels are lit and when they are not. I don’t get the error when the wheels are lit (on the vic) but when the wheels go off (on the vic) I get the switch error. Since it is AWD shouldn’t the wheels be lit all the time? Why would they go off?

I also noticed that when I turn the wheels sharp It wants to hop. I searched for this and found it could be a bad viscous coupler. Just wondering if these 2 are related somehow? Because I have not driven it too much yet I don’t know if there is a pattern, (if it only hopes when the VIC indicates all the wheels are lit or if it will do it when the VIC wheels are off)

Also did the tow packages come standard on the limited? I do have a transmission cooler but not sure if I have the Dana 44 (which I thought was part of the tow package) it says 35c on the rear axle.  

The wires to the rear trailer connector have been cut. I can’t seem to find the other end that comes from the ZJ. I am starting to wonder if the previous owner just bolted on a hitch and never did connect the wires. Does anyone know where on the jeep the wires come out of to go to the trailer connector?

I appreciate everyone’s help!

Thanks

[cLAY]

Some years got a D44 with the tow package others didn't. Generally if you have 3.73 gear ratios in the diffs you have the factory tow package. Otherwise the cooler and hitch were aftermarket. If thee diff says d35c on it then you have a D35 rear end. Also the D44 found in the back on GC had aluminum housings so a magnet would tell pretty quick.

Not sure about the wiring, check in the rear cargo compartment, there is a samll access door in the drivers' side(near the rear taillight). You might find what you are looking for in there.

Btw most of the older AWD Grand Cherokees hop when they do tight turns. But most people just live with it vs the cost of replacing the VC. If you plan to weel it just replace the t-case with a NP231 or N242. Not a direct swap unless you get a case from another ZJ but not too hard to use one from an XJ if you swap the input shafts. Still a better option than replacing the VC.

[ibyers1]

Thanks cLAY!

Looks like I have the D35. I put a magnet on it and it stuck. when I have more time this weekend i will clean the tag and see what gears I have.

I checked the little compartment in the back and there is nothing in there that I can see for the trailer connector. (just that lamp outage relay pack)

[dunl]

A lot of guys don't like the Dana 44 rear, as it seems to be weaker than the non-aluminum 44's.

As for the hopping, means your 4x4 is working, but yeah, swap the transfer with a 231 and throw the damm VC away.

Ramtuff has a 231 with a SYE installed in the buy/sell section I think.....maybe check with him and do the swap anyway.

[Trouble Maker]

Only 96 to 98 got the 44A rearend.

Another t-case option is the 242 : 2wd - 4wd part time - 4wd full time - N - 4wd low and no VC to worry about, really nice in the winter with the full time position for varing road conditions.

[ibyers1]

I think I might put a 242 in. is there alot of fab work that needs to be done or is it a bolt n go?

[JackstandJohnny]

ian, the 242 is almost direct swap in, just have to make sure the inputs ar the same spline. if not,(23 or 21) if not, pull hte sun gear from your 249 and put it in the 242.
hehe, find a deal on a couple of 242s, and we'll make a weekend out of it cause i want to do mine as well. my VC is almost gone.  practice on yours, and we'll do mine :wink:
btw, you have the tow package, it came with the jeep. you have 3.73s like i told ya...
u know its a good foundation for a build...

[ibyers1]

Sounds like a good idea!

You want to go to pick your part tomorrow? i need a couple odds and ends. we can look for a A/C pump for you.

[Trouble Maker]

Sometime in late 95 there was a gear cut change on the planetaries in the np 231,242 & 249 cases and the early gear cut is not compatible with the late gear cut so the inputs may not swap over.

I ran into this problem on mine, my 249 was from a 95, 242 donor was from a 92 XJ. I ended up using the front case half from my 249 with the back case half and all the internals from the planetary back from the 242. Had to drill a 5/16 hole on the 249 case by the shifter to access the 242 low range lock pin.

Drive shafts were the same style and bolted right up, IIRC there was a 1/2 difference in length between the two cases.

Been over a year since I swapped and have had no problems other than a sloppy shifter which I replaced with one from Novak.