I have a loud clunk and the vehicle lunges forward slightly when shifting the A/T into drive. After that it drives fine. Are these bad? I assume due to the gap - any recommendations on rubber style replacements better quality than OEM and under $80.

 

Gap is normal. Actually looks ok.

 

Check your trans mount too.

 

Everything Gatchmo said x2. Motor mounts look fine. Check the trans mount and report back.

 

What would I be looking for in the trans mount to tell if it's bad?

 

What would I be looking for to tell if the trans mount is bad?

 

lots of play. Squishy rubber or chunks missing. Can you move the crossmember EASILY. the rubber should be firm or at least close to it

 

Ok - I will check it out when I get home - thanks.

 

Trans mount looks good - I had my son rev the engine in drive to put load on the engine and I saw very little movement of the engine. If I shift straight from P to D it will clunk and lunge most of the time. If I shift from P to N ...wait a half a sec then to D I do not get a clunk and just a normal lunge. I plan to lube the Yoke this weekend and see if that makes any difference.

 

Engine OFF, keys out of ignition and Jeep in PARK with no parking brake on. Carefully lay under Jeep and have someone manually shove/push the XJ back and forth. Look for engine/trans/U-Joints with lots of play.

I do the same with with steering. Lay under the front and have someone turn the steering wheel slowly back and forth. Engine OFF of course.