Steering: 2WD Easy, 4WD Seems Way Too Hard

I had the Jeep out for a drive today enjoying the improved steering after putting the stock shackles back on. Since the Ross box has been rebuilt it steers very easy, one hand on the highway and two in the tight stuff but with very little effort. Locking the hubs and shifting to 4WD changes the whole ballgame! It becomes really hard to steer. Let me take a minute to say I have another vehicle to compare it to. I have a 1973 Ford F250 4WD that has a manual steering box in it. It takes more effort in 2WD than the Jeep does, I'd kind of expect that due to its size and weight but put it in low range 4WD. and it steers much easier than the jeep. This makes me think there might be a problem with my CJ. Possibly the U-joints in the steering knuckles? Can anyone shed some light on this.

 

How is it in 2wd with hubs locked? Do you have a locking differential up front?

 

It's hard in 2WD With the hubs locked. I'm not sure about the locking differential, I didn't get much history on the vehicle when I bought it. If it is a locker and I jack up one wheel and try to turn it it should not spin, is that correct?

 

Karl, I agree with Fino; sounds like you have a locker.

 

I assume you are using the 4WD on loose surfaces, not pavement? It will definitely bind things up on paved highway.

Just checking...

 

The more I think of it, you may have a welded diff. Most lockers (and I may be wrong on this) don't lock without power going to them. Others here would know better, I'm sure.

 

Look under the cover. Take a picture and post it. (Buy a gasket and oil first).

 

It may be a little while before I have time to try what has been suggested but all this information is a big help. I'll update as I find out more. Thanks!

 

Mine has a front powerlock diff and manual steering....it definitely wants to go straight in 4wd!