Hello,
I have a 1998 Jeep Cherokee 4WD - 6 cyl. 4.0 liter engine, auto transmission. I have recently been experiencing, or rather, recently noticed a strange sound that appears to be coming from my transmission or transfer case. The sound appears to only be heard when the following occurs:
1. In 4-wheel drive
2. In drive (if I take it out of drive with 4WD drive engaged, the noise stops).
3. Moving slowly (under 20 mph). Once I get up to speed I can no longer hear it.
4. It seems to be louder when driving up hill.
5. It sounds, to my best decription to be a chortle... almost like a slow turkey call, if that makes any sense. Perhaps something is loose?
6. It actually sounds as if it may be related to the suspension, but why only in 4WD and why only in Drive?
7. I experience absolutely no performance loss. It runs as great as it ever has. I am afraid I may get stuck in the middle of no where, so I need to find out what this noise is.

Thanks for any information regarding this inquiry.

 

I'm getting the same sound but also in 2wd. Just started since I ripped out carpet and herculined the interior. not sure if its just the lack of insulation and the sound was always there....