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97 wrangler rear tire spins

2K views 28 replies 14 participants last post by  catsknr 
#1 ·
I troll here all the time and have found some great help from reading the forums. I just joined because I'm at my wits end. My 97 wrangler automatic 4 cylinder ( stock, no lift) is spinning one of the rear tires when I am at a dead stop and take off. When turning right it's the right rear, opposite when turning left. When going straight they both spin a little but not as much. Jacked up one side and can turn only one wheel so I don't have posi. It was jumping some too but after changing the control arm bushings, now it just spins. I have replaced the following; motor mounts, tranny mount, rear upper and lower control arm bushings,rear trac bar bushings and stabilizer links, both rear U joints and rear shocks. I took it to two mechanics and they said good luck no idea what it might be. Took it to a tranny/differential place and of course they said the 1st gear is slipping and the tranny needs rebuilt. It was just rebuilt about 10,000 miles ago. Doesn't seem like that would be it. Also if the vehicle is rolling a little and I take off it doesn't do it. It didn't use to do this and it is very annoying. Thanks for any help.
 
#6 ·
It started out spinning and jumping, now mostly just spinning after the control arm bushings were replaced. I haven't changed my driving style and it didn't use to do this. It seems like it is just loosing traction for some reason. Tires are new bfg all terrains, so I wouldn't think they would be the culprit?
 
#8 ·
Is it only on wet roads. Or on dry pavement as well? Maybe your tires are severely over inflated. I had BFG ats on a V8 dodge dakota and it had a tough time spinning them even with mashing the throttle. So I find it odd that a 2.5 could even make them chirp let alone spin them
 
#13 ·
Actually IMO (and I have been wrong before) I can see this happening with the "right" combinations of factors, given my experience with the BFGs. Mine EASILY broke loose if "over inflated". The suspension of the Jeep, a very hard tire (high psi) and heavy throttle or the "right" gears could do this.

The BFGs that I had on the TJ and which I liked enough to run 3 sets of them, would spin very easily wet or dry pavement, until I "aired down a bit", using the chalk test.

If the OP has the taller (4.56) with the auto tranny, that IIRC comes with the 2.5, and suspension is old/ worn, I can see the body weight of the Jeep shifting and loosing traction.

To OP what TP are you running, and how old is the suspension/ shocks on your Jeep?
 
#14 ·
Learn how to drive. Just because the light is green doesnt mean you need to matt the skinny pedal. Same goes for a red light, anticipate the light. No need to wait until the last minute and dynamite the binders. I bet your tire guys love you. Check the tire pressure, as said above. Willing to bet its ridiculously over inflated.
 
#16 ·
Check the build sheet you likely have a failing clutch limited slip that is grabby

If build sheet shows limited slip try an fluid change in diffy with a good amount of friction modifier

An old limited slip can be warn enough to feel like an open diff when you jack up one wheel and hand turn it

Also inspect control arms and sway bar
 
#20 · (Edited)
The correct tire pressure depends on the tire size. That 33 psi is only for the size tires the factory installed. The bigger the tire, the less air pressure that should be run. For example, the correct air pressure for 33's when supporting a vehicle with the weight of a Wrangler is 26-28 psi, or 24-26 psi for 35" tires.

And have someone teach you how to drive so you aren't constantly spinning your rear tires. That's usually the sign of a new driver who isn't having to pay for his own tires yet.
 
#18 ·
That's 33psi on the door frame is for standard tyres. I run my 31" BFG's at 28psi and there are some who would say that is too high.
 
#19 ·
I ran my BFG A/Ts and now Duratracs at 27-28 psi. Tire shops insist on 32psi but if you just look at the contact patch you can telll that is too much psi.
 
#21 ·
It could be the tire pressure. I lowered it to 30 and it helped allot. And as far as all the brainiacs on here that think they know it all, if you don't have a comment that might help, then don't bother to reply. Sheesh, Nut loose behind the wheel, learn how to drive,etc. if this is how this forum is then I will go somewhere else.
 
#23 ·
Because it's a gutless 2.5 liter and I have been driving it the same way for 7 years without this happening. When you put your foot into it it's not like you have 300 hp tearing up the asphalt. You just move with the rest of traffic, if your lucky.
 
#24 ·
Yeah, I guess I need to drive like Grandma. I guess by the way it sounded, some might think I am jumping on it and it's just burning the tires off, but that's not the case. I do thank those that replied with some helpful thoughts. I think the tire pressure was it.
 
#25 ·
for a 2.5L to be burning rubber from a dead stop in this case is in fact possible, i've just never heard of it or been around long enough to know about it. over-inflated tires doing this, i've heard of it. but a 2.5L and, say, 30s for example? until now, i wouldn't have known it was possible, but like i said before, "UNICORN". you could have been running BFGs with the wrong load range and/or a harder compound for all i knew.

i have a 2.5L YJ with 30s and a 5spd. let me tell you, i can imagine how much worse the 2.5 with an auto would be. and trust me, i know you guys drive like you're wanted by the damn law in the upper 48 where highway speeds are above 55. automatic, 2.5L and 30s? you may as well be on foot.

we definitely drive like nannah on her way to bingo here in HI...most of the time. however, there comes a time when we must pass the tourists going 20 in a 35 to get to get to our destinations LOL
 
#27 ·
Hi all... 1st we try to not to call other members names around here.. good way to get yourself banned. Those posts that offended have been removed... best advise.. don't do it again.. ever.


Now OP: has anyone pulled the rear diff cover and inspected what's going on back there? Any busted parts in the diff...
 
#28 ·
No I haven't. I read on other posts about rear differential problems and the conclusion was, if it was a diff. problem it would be clunking or making some kind of noise? Maybe that's not the case and I need to pull the cover just to be sure something's not going on in there.
 
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