So about 5 months ago I bought my D from an auction. Great condition truck, but the 4x4 shift linkage was disconnected and had fallen off. So today after months of procrastination I decided to put the new shift linkage on. After about an hour of struggling, I finally got it all on and ready to go. I took it out on a back road to go through the shift procedures and test the 4x4 this being the first time I've tried it out. Shifted into 4hi and 4lo no problem. But while in both modes it was a very rough jerky ride, and the front tires were chirping as they spun. Finally when shifting back into 2wd it didnt want to go, the 4wd light went off but it didnt switch back into 2wd for another 30 seconds or 50ft... Not comforting to say the least. (ALSO:when I first got the truck I noticed orange spray paint on the rear axle, so I assume its an not the original rear.)

Now I believe in my novice opinion,that the gear ratio between the front and rear are off so maybe the tires spin at different speeds causing lots of trouble for my transfer case... Now if anyone could tell me whats really going on that would be MUCH appreciated.

 

the 4wd will cause the tires in the front to chirp unless you are going in a perfectly straight line on perfectly smooth ground, there is a requirement for some slip in the system and pavement does not allow for this to occur easily, sounds to me like your t-case is functioning properly

there is also a requirement for the truck to be rollling for a bit in order to disengage properly this is normal.

 

You should check your ratios and see if they are different cuz that's sounds like what's wrong

 

Okay, so I just took another drive and went through the paces... not good.
I noticed that after a rough shift to 4hi the chirping is actually my left front tire seeming to have trouble spinning and locking up. Its pulling very hard to the left. finally shifting back to 2wd it just about gave me whiplash after a very violent clunk and back to normal.

 

When I bought my first Durango,the first time I put it in 4 wheel drive it acted the same way,squeaked and squalled like crazy! I just took it down to a sandy level river bottom and went through some nice easy left and right turns while engaged in hi and low four wheel drive,seems the truck sat for along time at a used car lot...the delay in engagement for a few feet is normal and these trucks do seem to buck a little when dropped into gear,mine doesnt make any noises now and seems to function correct...Ive noticed some creaking in the suspension too so I just grease and wd40 every joint I can find and drive like normal....Good luck and i hope yours is fine just needs to lossen up like mine

 

Well ive done some research and it seems to me that a very common problem is with the vacuum lines in the (CAD) system. the effects of bad lines describes my problem perfectly. now, does anyone know where the lines are located? any diagrams would be much appreciated.

 

On my 96 Explorer I had a similar problem, and it was really chirping and jerking. It ended up being the transfer case slipping and grabbing.

My 98' Durango 5.9L 4x4 while in both modes, does not jerk at all. I can go down a paved road in 4lo or 4hi or 4hi constant, and I have no chirping or jerking. It drives smooth and straight. And yes it, it is engaged and working. I'm not a pro on durango's, but I'd suggest getting your front drive train looked at by somebody. It could be your transfer case, front differential not working properly, or your front drive shafts. I've seen a broken drive shaft and broken couplings make a truck jerk and chirp the tires.

Checking the rear and front ratio could also be an issue.