My cherokee will sometimes have this rattling noise when I'm at a stop light at idle. I tracked it down to the 4x4 selector handle. If it starts rattling, I just reach down and wiggle the handle and it stops. I noticed my friends' 99's both do it as well.

Is there a specific cause of this or a fix so it doesn't happen? Is there any problem with it being stuck somewhere between 2wd and 4wd?

 

My 99 does the same thing. I always figured either the linkage was loose or the bushings where worn. never think to take a look at it when I'm working on it though so it still does it. someday I will remember to look at it when I'm under there.