He says he's had this Jeep since '86....He would have had the same problem long ago if it was the fact that he's in 4wd where he ought not to be. Agreed, it should not be in 4wd unless needed, and 4wd on a hard/ grippy surface will cause exactly the symptoms he describes. But it does sound as if something else is going on. If the tires are good and you drive in a straight line generally it will not bind and pop even on a hard surface.

But do test it out in some good mud to make sure....

97tj, Shaved Ford 9 rear, 4:10's, New 35x12.5 BFG KM2's to test!, Warn x8000i, ARB's, Quick Disco's, Hand Throttle, & it's my DD. smile