Need Help, cause I'm really angry

[gijoecam]

I'd like to take a step back here, and ask what exactly the problem is with the vehicle? There are a number of problems that can be caused by running mis-matched tires, and there are a number of problems that a shop will diagnose when we (the collective knowledge accrued on this forum) know better.

So, with that in mind, what, exactly, is the vehicle doing, and when is it doing it?
What was the vehicle doing when it was diagnosed with a bad transfer case in the first place?

We also need to keep in mind that with a 96, running different size tires with the switch set to 2wd is not going to have any effect on the transfer case. It can be done safely. Now, if your son spent all his time running around in 4auto, AND the tires were, in fact, different sizes, then yes, it may be possible for the transfer case to be damaged, but unless they were severely different sizes, and the vehicle was run in 4auto for extended periods of time, AND your son had been experiencing driveline bind-up (which he should have noticed and reported long ago), it's not likely that the tires alone damaged the transfer case.

Let's begin at the beginning and go from there, OK? We're all happy to help solve the problem, but we can't help much if all you want to do is rant about something that may or may not be anyone's fault. We just want to help you fix the problem with the truck.

-Joe

 

[skinny7412]

Joe, the car made a grinding noise while it was rolling down the road-nice even road , though they're few & far between in MI !!! Also, my choice in this vehicle is "auto4WD, hi & lo" C'est tout !

 

[gijoecam]

Joe, the car made a grinding noise while it was rolling down the road-nice even road , though they're few & far between in MI !!! Also, my choice in this vehicle is "auto4WD, hi & lo" C'est tout !

OK, hold the phone here... If your switch says 4auto, 4high, 4low, either someone switched some components on it at one point in time, or you have a 97, not a 96 model. Does the tailgate have the t-handle for the window and glass, or the push-button for the glass and separate hidden latch for the tailgate?

Which engine does it have? The 4.0L SOHC or the 4.0L OHV? Again, this'll help establish the model year...

Once we establish what model year we're dealing with, we can go from there... There are a few differences in the systems between a 96 and a 97.

By 'grinding noise', what
exactly is it doing, and when? Coasting, accelerating, turning, etc? Straight and level ground? On the gas, off the gas, uphill, downhill? The more details you can provide about what it's doing an, more importantly, when it's doing it, the more accurate our diagnosis can be.

If you're over on the east side of the state with it, I'd be happy to do a ride-along and listen to it for you... Otherwise, noises are tough to describe over the 'net... Video of the vehicle making the noise might help...

 

[JohnJ]

OK, hold the phone here... If your switch says 4auto, 4high, 4low, either someone switched some components on it at one point in time, or you have a 97, not a 96 model. Does the tailgate have the t-handle for the window and glass, or the push-button for the glass and separate hidden latch for the tailgate?

Which engine does it have? The 4.0L SOHC or the 4.0L OHV? Again, this'll help establish the model year...

Once we establish what model year we're dealing with, we can go from there... There are a few differences in the systems between a 96 and a 97.

Isn't it easier to determine the model year by looking at the 10th digit of the VIN? T=96 V=97

 

[Donner]

Dead Link Removed

Run your vin here...

 

[CDW6212R]

If there is proof that the dealer sold the vehicle knowing that the vehicle has A4WD and tires of differing sizes, then they can be held liable. If they didn't know of the potential issue, or it cannot be proven, then the dealer is cleared.

Basically I would suggest the same for the Aamco place. If there is proof that they discovered the transfer case problem connected with tire diameters, then they could be held accountable for not mentioning the tire issue.

In a 4WD/AWD/A4WD usage, the tires must have the exact same diameter, or the TC will wear out. Regards,