My Transfer case is falling out

[spinnn]

Hello. I live in Jersey, and we just got a foot of snow. My 97 Sport took it in stride for the first 2 days, then I noticed gnarly torque lock at low speed-like cutting the tight turns at a drive-thru-and it's alarming. Is this normal? Does anyone else with the auto-4wd get this? I'd figure it'd be programmed to unlock at low speeds in 4auto...so I'm wondering if maybe the magnetic clutch mechanism in the transfer case is locked up, stuck or something? Does it have some sort of spline that locks the 2 halves of the clutch together, like if I put it in 4hi, or does it just remain connected by virtue of the electromagnetic clutch getting 100 per cent duty cycle?
Thanks in advance to anyone who answers. If this is a problem I'd like to fix it before something insane happens...cracked case or something...or getting stuck w/my girl in the middle of the Pine Barrens...with no beer

Oh yeah, there's a funny noise, under the truck, sounds like if you spool a clean wheel bearing up to speed with compressed air (you know, the thing the shop teacher said NOT to do), that wheeeeeeeeeeee sound, but a lot quieter.Happens on acceleration, can't hear it at speed cuz my mudders are too loud.
Thanks.

 

[gijoecam]

Sounds like you're getting driveline bind-up. In 4auto at low speeds with the wheel at full left or right lock, if it's doing it, there's likely a sensor that's dropping the signal making it think that the wheels aren't turning at the same speed.

Try this: on a loose gravel surface, make a tight turn and verify that it's binding up just like it did in the drive-thru lane. Then, crawl underneath it and disconnect the square 16-pin connector at the transfer case. (The lights will blink... don't worry) Drive in the tight circles again and verify that the problem is gone. That will narrow it down to being either a mechanical or an electrical issue. Report back and we'll go from there.

 

[spinnn]

Good Idea. I'll shout you up once I try it. Thanks.