The other week my 97' XJ starting making a clicking noise- that seems to get faster as the Jeep accelerates. Here is the trouble shooting I have done.

I thought it might be the driveshaft joint on the rear, or something like that...

I jacked the front of the car up, and spun both wheels (both turned freely with no noise)

I jacked the rear up and put it in neutral...spun the driveshaft a bunch, and no noise...granted there is a bit of play if I move the driveshaft from front to back, but no clicking still..

The noise sounds like it's coming from the transfer case area- my thoughts as of now are either loose torque converter or loose TC chain??

It makes noise when accelerating, not when braking, turning, or in neutral..

Thoughts??

Thanks as always

 

I was told to try this, lock it in 4x4 hold the brake and gas it, if it makes a ratcheting sound, the tc chain is wore out

 

So after driving for a bit with the noise, it slowly disappeared- but turned into a rough vibration around 30mph (much worse on the throttle, barely noticeable while coasting)....

Today I finally replaced both rear driveshaft U joints. They were both shot- the front one being way worse. No more noise or vibration

 

I have this SAME exact problem!! so i need new u joints?

 

Considering the U joints cost me $12 a piece at the local auto parts store, and are fairly easy to swap- it's well worth trying.

The rear shaft has 2 joints...mine is a 97' with 140k on it, and they were both completely shot...I'd highly recommend changing them.