The beast started having the jerking and hopping that frequently indicates a viscous coupling on the transfer case going to the front prop shaft. Got busy with other stuff and did not work on it for a while.

So a few weeks ago we needed to move it out of the way. Took off the front prop shaft since I'd read that if it was the viscous coupling you could pull the shaft and just drive it in an emergency with rear wheel drive. Did the same hopping and jerking! So we towed the thing through the mud. A person watching said it was like the rear wheels would wind up and then spin a bit back wards. So just what problem do we have?

Given that there are some other issues (rust tailgate , rear window and the area below the tailgate, shocks, tank fuel pump?, air suspension...) it might be the end of the line for it...just might be better to look for another 95 or later?

 

To test proper VC operation, put the rover in lo range and make a complete circle. While making the circle, let your foot off the gas. If the rover stops, you have a VC issue. If it keeps going. It something else. It is probably your drive shaft slipping. At least that is what the problem sounds like.