98 XJ drivetrain? u-joints? flexplate? problem

[kpott14]

I have a 98 Cherokee Limited 141,000 miles. My problem is that i recently started to feel a "rubbing" while driving, can hear it too. It is great enough that it slows me down if im not on the gas, theres alot of resistance. I can throw the trans in neutral and it goes away, and i should say the trans still shifts fine so could it be the driveshaft? I should also note that this started happening after i had about 8 people in the jeep so could the weight have somthing to do with it? Thanks alot.

[MagicRat]

My first guess is that all the weight caused the suspension (probably in the rear) to bottom-out so hard that a brake line became crushed. This would prevent the brakes (again, probably rear) from releasing fully, so they are dragging.

[kpott14]

Originally Posted by MagicRat

My first guess is that all the weight caused the suspension (probably in the rear) to bottom-out so hard that a brake line became crushed. This would prevent the brakes (again, probably rear) from releasing fully, so they are dragging.

Ah yes, that makes alot of sense. I should add that the rear is sagging, the leaf springs look nearly flat and i dont know the condition of the shocks but i assume they could be needing a changing. Thanks man.

[fredjacksonsan]

Originally Posted by kpott14

Ah yes, that makes alot of sense. I should add that the rear is sagging, the leaf springs look nearly flat and i dont know the condition of the shocks but i assume they could be needing a changing. Thanks man.

For the leaf springs, any competent spring shop can re-arc the springs and add a leaf to keep them from sagging again. I've had it done on more than one old vehicle, and it works wonders - and would help stop this from happening again.

[kpott14]

Originally Posted by fredjacksonsan

For the leaf springs, any competent spring shop can re-arc the springs and add a leaf to keep them from sagging again. I've had it done on more than one old vehicle, and it works wonders - and would help stop this from happening again.

How much does this run you usually?

[fredjacksonsan]

Wow, it's been quite a long time since I had it done....$150 maybe? Well worth it, makes the rear suspension almost like new. Add a set of new shocks and you'll be good to go.

[kpott14]

Originally Posted by fredjacksonsan

Wow, it's been quite a long time since I had it done....$150 maybe? Well worth it, makes the rear suspension almost like new. Add a set of new shocks and you'll be good to go.

Thanks man great help. I now have a pretty bad vibration when im accelerating. Could this be a U-joint issue? This is my first rear wheel drive car so im new to this haha

[fredjacksonsan]

Accelerating vibration. OK, is it rapid or slow? Any noises accompanying the vibration? Can you feel it in the steering wheel or your seat?

[kpott14]

Originally Posted by fredjacksonsan

Accelerating vibration. OK, is it rapid or slow? Any noises accompanying the vibration? Can you feel it in the steering wheel or your seat?

To answer the rapid or slow question, the more gas you give it the worse the vibration gets. I can feel it everywhere in the car it just vibrates everything. There is also a "clicking, tapping" sound coming from the trans/torque converter area only while accelerating briskly ( i've heard this could be loose bolts on the torque converter possibly?) Thanks

[fredjacksonsan]

At 141k I'd suspect the Ujoints first. While you're under there, taking the cover off and checking tightness on the flex plate bolts isn't a bad idea.