I am the second owner actually the third my neighbor had it for a month then sold the 97 tj sport to me. My question is I suspect some diff work has been done when I jacked up the jeep in neutral in 4wheel mode the rear tires tracked the same direction as well as the front this is when i rolled the tires from the rear either side did not matter. al wheels moved same direction, now when I went to the front and spn the wheels by hand the front tire I moved and both rears would move the other side front tire would not indicating a limited slip i believe <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> I am trying to figure out if some one did some custome work or is it that trac-loc system? I know it would be easy'r to ask the original owner but he is pissed my at my neighbor who sold the jeep to me and wont answer any of are questions on what has been done internally.

From your explaination I would guess the rear has some kind of locking device in it and the front is open..
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

You could always pull the diff covers and look inside. This would be a good chance to change fluid and check out its condition too. But like BJ said, it sounds like some sort of rear locking device has been installed.

Sean

Thanks Sean and BJ that is what I suspected but I wasn't sure and drainning the diffs is a good idea since I dont know when it was last done the jeep has 129,ooo miles on it. Im just trying to figure out what I got for a jeep, what it is capable of doing, and or what should I do to make it better. (for trails) and don't or cant afford to make it a (rock crawler). Thanks guys.

If your diffs are in good shape, having a rear locker is a good start. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the info I hope the diffs are in good shape I dont want to find out they not out on the trail. I read some where that it is better to have an open diff for tracking straight in difficult terran? maybe I read it in off road adventure mag by 4wheelparts not sure. Basicaly are front lockers something I should consider or should I focus on getting a winch first and a new front bumper. Also I ran into a jeeper who pulled me over in town he mention that he purchased a winch from harbor freight <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> Im not sure if that was wise, I saw it in their flier. I know of now one using a harbor freight winch? maybe someone has im currious.

If you drive it on the street much you will want a selectable locker up front, as being locked on pavement in a turn wears on your front end. However, if you are already locked in the rear, you are fully capable of getting yourself in enough trouble to need a winch.
Kevin <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

I bought one of those HF winches and never regretted it. I'm not one to do a lot of winching though. I sold my CJ to my neighbor and he uses the winch more than I ever did. After 4 years it still works great and pulls strong. It is mighty slow compared to a high dollar Warn but Like I said, no regrets. Would I buy another? No. I'd get one with a series wound motor, probably a Milemarker 9500se. But that's just me. Some folks will tell you Warn is the best and maybe they're right. IMO they charge too much just for the name. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Thanks jeepete, Good thoght on the winch being series wound Vs Parallel. I have been eye balling the mile markers because they are more resonable. But i wasn't sure never using a winch. But you see Waren winches in just about every rag out there. it's just that im sure as I keep going out there will be that day I will wish I had a winch since I go it alone alot.

The biggest drawback (to me) with permanent magnet motors is that the magnets will loose strength over time at a rate that is largely determined by how hot they get. It's hard to use a winch without overheating the motor. None (electric) are rated for continuous use. One good feature of the newer Warns is thermal protection. Even they recommend winching under load for short periods followed by longer periods of cooling time. It's been a long time since I did any shopping for winches, like I said the HF worked for me, other brands may be offering thermal protection now, I don't know. I also like to wheel alone. One bad experience without a winch was all it took to convince me I needed one. On the average I used it for self recovery once a year and about the same amount for winching others. Whatever the brand, do some research on the safe usage of it. You can't be too careful! Search these forums for lots of tips and opinions on winches, their use, safety factors, etc. The topic has been discussed a lot. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />