Quadra Drive not Working
 

Hi, I just recxently bought a 1999 Grand Cherokee Limited 4.7L and just realised that the Quadra Drive system is not working on our first snow fall. Rear tires only spin. I tried putting the vehicle into 4 low and still nothing, still only rear tires spinning....any suggestions?

Thanks!

Re: Quadra Drive not Working
 

When you put it into 4-low, did the t-case engage at all... did it drive slow? If it did, check out the front drive shaft.

Re: Quadra Drive not Working
 

put the vehicle up on jack stands, check the fluid level, and look for any debris in it (bits of metal) that may be preventing it from building up pressure.

with it secured on jack stands, put it in drive and see if the transfer case is rotating the front drive shaft, if its rotating id be looking at the front ring and pinion and see what condition it may be in.

Re: Quadra Drive not Working
 

Thanks for the replies. I heard nothing when I put it into low gear. I will put it up on all fours and try that out for sure.

FYI, when I bought it the transfer case was leaking at the rear driveshaft stock (has since stopped). It took roughly 1-2 litres of fluid to top it back up. If this unit was run too long without fliud would this cook the unit? It only had 95K on this vehicle when I picked it up and now has 109KM's on it so it sat in a garage most of its life in Toronto. I'm just hoping I'm not into a tranfer case rebuild already...$$$

Re: Quadra Drive not Working
 

The 247 takes 1.2 litres to fill so it was definately empty. Hopefully it hasn't damaged the VC in there.
The easiest way to find out if it still is working properly is as Crazy said, get all 4 tires up in the air, the back ones should be rotating as soon as you put it in gear. Push your foot against the sidewall of one of the rear tires and one of the front ones should start spinning. If nothing happens you now have the perfect oppritunity to upgrade to a 242 or 231.

Re: Quadra Drive not Working
 

Ok, thanks will do. I take it the 242 or 231 is a better unit and will fit in no problem? I live in the Toronto area, where would be the least expensive place to pick one if I do need to?

Re: Quadra Drive not Working
 

I would try looking on kijiji or buysell.com sometimes you can get lucky. Otherwise its off to the wreakers.

Re: Quadra Drive not Working
 

I would suspect the "viscous coupling" (gerotor/clutch pack)......as said previously drop your oil and check for debris and metal in the fluid. Set up a funnel with some sort of filter media and drain the fluid. This will help you catch the smaller, otherwise unnoticed materials that find thier way to the bottom of a catch can. Look for fibrous and metalic pieces(steel, brass etc) in the filter material.....a very small amount is normal.....but if there is alot of it you got troubles!!!! Also because of the "viscous coupler" oil choice is critical...the wrong oil could proove to be detrimental to longevity and cause a short service life of the NV247...I believe the part number from Chrysler is 05016796AC, but please confirm this with your dealership.

I have seen a number of these fail in this way....worth a look!!

Re: Quadra Drive not Working
 

Thanks. So I popped up the vehicle on all fours and no front tire rotation...not good I suspect. Let a bit of oil out and lots of debris...another not good conclusion. Going to have my buddy take it down to his shop for a better inspection. If this was shot would I be better to put in something newer...not sure if the quadra drive II will fit and if so is it better?

Thanks

Re: Quadra Drive not Working
 

Its a tough call the 247 is a good system, when it works it works, theres no user input it does all the work for you... but then its failed... id find out the costs of fixing it and replacing it...

lots of people will swap for a 242 or 231 transfercase (you just have to swap the input shaft since the Quadradrive is longer...

If your planing on crawling they make a 4:1 reduction kit for a NP231... just saying...

Re: Quadra Drive not Working
 

I think I'm gonna repair the original, you are right, it works well when it works. I don't use the vehicle for off roading too much, in the summer I have 20" rims on it so it really is babied. Its been picked up now for repair, will post when its done.

Thanks!

Re: Quadra Drive not Working
 

Yup the 231 is a good swap and as stated when working the 247 isn't bad...not the best but not bad when cared for....all too many fail as a result in the lack of regular maintenance. A swap is not easy chore but very doable.... as not only do you have to concern yourself with the input shaft but the shifter as well. A Novak conversion shifter is an option here and the low range kits available for the 231 are a great upgrade to a time tested and typically durable case.

This is a great oportunity to upgrade:beerchug:

If you plan on wheeling on a more regular basis I would opt for the swap myself. I would put a low range kit, Novak Shifter and a sye in it with a double cardan rear shaft and not look back...or... if the budget allows it an Atlas II could be a very good option as well...especially if you plan lifting the GC and using it to wheel!!!

It all hinges on budget constraints in the end and what fits that budget....

My 2 centz

Bear

OOPS didn't read page two....lol....oh well!!!!

Re: Quadra Drive not Working
 

Thats the plan!

That and possibly a Klune V if i really wanna crawl before i can get to my final crazy crawl ratio via a NV4500, Tera Low 231 4:1 and some silly gears on D60's... one can dream right...

Re: Quadra Drive not Working
 

... Swap to a 242HD or 231...there's a beautiful 2wd option ;-) Specially if you want to smoke those 20s lol

Re: Quadra Drive not Working
 

Well, got the Jeep back last night, used rebuilt 247 put in it from Cookstown Auto. Seems to be working fine but never actually used a 247 before, does it clunk when shifting a low speeds (specifically when downshifting at idles speeds when in traffic)? Also, it has a small whine to it at higher speeds but nothing at all to what my burnt out old one did, is this normal?

Re: Quadra Drive not Working
 

The 247 should act like its not even there. They are known for how smooth they operate. The t case should not make any noise at all. If you are hearing noise while shifting it is more likely coming from the tranny.

Re: Quadra Drive not Working
 

hmmm, ok thanks. The tranny never made any noise before but then if it never had proper pressure on it from the tc then it wouldn't have any reason to react that way. Guess I'll monitor it....have a year warrantly on it from Cookstown.

Boy, by having the tc working it really makes a difference on fuel economy. I was getting over 500kms on a tank of gas (highway) ...looks like i'm gonna be a far cry from that now....yowsers!

Re: Quadra Drive not Working
 

thats why the up grade to the 242 or 231 is good ,cause it will give you the two wheel drive and be cheaper on fuel

Re: Quadra Drive not Working
 

I dont think the 242 is any better on gas. I have read lots about it and in normal operation the 247 acts in 2wd till any slip is detected then locks it in 4wd. Even with a 242 all the drag is still there the front axles are spinning, the diff is turning, and so is the drive shaft. All the parasitic drag is still there. If it is better on gas it would be maybe 1mpg. But I dont believe so. Just my 2cents.

Re: Quadra Drive not Working
 

I gotta admit, the 247 is a nice unit....no pulling on levers to have a hoot in the snow...pretty slick. Im gonna giver **** for the year to see what this thing can do. I was told the reason Cookstown bought the vehicle in the first place was because the tc was just rebuilt about 10K ago. I love my Jeeps when they are working well. I owned a 2000 Cherokee LTD for 9 yrs (just got rid of it with over 400K on it, actually traded it for my tc fix, and he's also going to fix the AC for me in the spring, and do the brakes for me next time through) and it was a tank! Nothing could kill it. I'm hoping now that I got most of the crap out of the way with this one, hopefully it should give me some good yrs too now. Since I've bought it I've: 1.did the heater treater fix 2. replaced the tweeters in the dash 3. repaired the front bumper (was cracked) and the now tc and AC (in the spring)!. Man, I hope I get some free months out of this puppy soon:)!!

We've always been a Jeep family, first one was a 1996 Grand Cherokee with the 4L and Select trak....400K with minimal problems, then a Liberty for the wife, then my 2000 Cherokee and now this puppy. Long live Jeeps!