I searched but didn't come up with anything. Went through the first 12 pages of posts too. So sorry if this is covered in another thread.

When I am in 4wd H the vehicle starts to jerk about and be difficult to steer when at low speed (under 5mph) when turning sharp (like parking). It does this with or without the traction control engaged (though without it is slightly less noticeable).

Is this normal (my TJ never did this but it is much less computerized and far older)? If not, what is it? I'm due to take it to the dealer since one of my door windows barely powers closed, figured I would ask first and be edjumacated before going into the stealership. I have no suspension mods and run 265/70-R17 tires on the stock rims (so nearly stock size).

 

You must have been on pavement. What you observed is normal, and should not be done. It's too hard on the components.
4wd should not be used if you are on dry pavement (ie, not snow/ice covered).

One other consideration: When you get lifted, that will raise hell with the ESP if your steering wheel is not straight.

 

x2 thats normal with a solid front axle w/u-joints. (the wrap). The harder to steer is normal as well.

 

You on sealed roads or dirt when this happens? With the driveshafts locked together in 4hi & lo front tires will grab and jerk a bit at low speeds when turned sharply, particularly on hard surfaces. No idea why it's less noticable in a TJ though; maybe the front end was lighter or the smaller stock tires offered less grip?

 

No lift, though I am going to at least do the level if not a 1" all around with level.

It's not always dry pavement that I recall, have to think on that a bit. The H was engaged because the roads were ice/snow covered and it wasn't always then on dry pavement. Doesn't happen in 2WD mode obviously.

Guess I gotta remember to shift outta 4w when on clean sealed roads then. Weird, I swear my TJ never did that - it was a stick, but that shouldn't make that much of a difference.

 

Yeah, your TJ would have behaved the same way. It's the nature of 4wd when there is no differential in the t-case.

You will notice it even when the tires can slip, just not as much.

 

All of my four wheel drives do that, JEEP or not.

 

On my X no lockers, while in 4Lo going very very slow, almost at a stop, going up a hill, see pic of my avatar, my 4wd would "slip" even roll backwards slightly, make noises when a wheel would gain traction (not a gear slipping noise (i've heard that before on some other things), but would continue to move forward, is that normal?
I think it is, my WJ did it, but I also had TC issues with that one and never trusted it.

In 4 hi, no noises at all today on ice.

 

Probably what you heard was the ABS pump/valves applying the brake on the wheel with no traction, thereby forcing the wheel with traction to pull you forward. It's the "brake lock differential" feature.

 

Gotcha. I had a wheel in the air, and a little tippy back and forth, not in danger of flipping, but just going back and forth..system probably was a little confused.