I bought my 2000 XJ about 3 months ago and haven't driven it too much - just a couple times a week . It has about 145000 on it and is stock. When I put it in drive I hear and feel a clunk and it will lunge forward slightly then it drives just fine . Only clunks when the A/T is initially put into drive. Reverse maybe a slight clunk but very minimal if at all. There is no play in the rear driveshaft when I try to turn it . I get about a quarter to a half an inch of play when I twist the front driveshaft. I don't see any visible movement in the u-joint but I don't know what exactly I would be looking for. Does this sound like worn u-joints or worse . If so are the autozone $20 u-joints adequate ? This jeep is mostly a daily driver.

 

Could be worn motor mounts and trans mount.

 

Sometimes the rear drive shaft slip yoke will cause clunking and needs greasing.

 

Agree with both posts! These two guys have a wealth of XJ knowledge!

In regards to the u-joints, I would say the autozone ones won't cut it. I'd personally look into ordering Spicers. That's what came from the factory.

 

Try to isolate the sound. Get someone else to shift the jeep into drive while you walk around the jeep and listen for the clunk. Then you can poke your noggin in there and start to find the issue.

Look at the exhaust by the transmission crossmember. Sometimes the exhaust will be slightly touching.






EDIT: Words of wisdom - Don't be el cheapo on ujoints, unless you really enjoy changing them.

 

Worth the grease to try Ken's advice first. Known issue for the xj and part of regular maintenance and that's just what it will do, klunk into drive.

 

The Transmission mount looks to be in good shape and several folks have said the motor mount gap is normal and they look fine. I had my son rev the engine in drive while pushing the brake and the engine had very little movement at all. Slip Yoke lube is my next step.