I've got an 89 Wagon RT4WD that seems to have something dragging. It only starts after 20 or so miles on the freeway. There is a slight whine when it starts, and the car begins to jerk a bit, as if the engine is missing. I put it in neutral, and it still seems to be present, although not quite as noticable.

I have drained and replaced the rear diff fluid. Going to drain/refill the tranny soon. Wheel bearing was the first thing to come to my mind when it started, but there isn't any play in the wheels when lifted. Any other ideas what I can look into?

 

bump for some help here.

this problem is definitly repeatable, almost to the same mile marker evertime. The symptoms don't quite match what other have said about wheel bearings. I've replaced both rear diff fluid and tranny fluid. Opened both rear drums and inspected / cleaned em, problem still present. Any other 4wd owners had a similar problem?