bjburns13

After pulling my Jeep off the trailer the other day, a strange clicking sound started. the clicking seems to be coming from the front axle and it increases as i turn. it is not the U-joint nor is it the differential. i'm wanting to take it out again soon but i cant drive it in 4WD due to whatever is clicking. if you have any clue as to what it is please help.

ZINGGG

How do you know it's not the ujoint? That's where my money would be. Check everything. Ball joints, track bar, etc etc. there are a hundred nuts and bolts down there that could be loose

buckshot500

Take a real close look at the axle U-joints.

Also might be that the P/O put a lunchbox locker in the front diff.

Another thing to check, is the front tire contacting a control arm?

caged

if it increases as you turn, and only audible when in 4wd, then i bet these guys are right.

x2 on a possible lunchbox locker.

u-joints don't have to be loose and sloppy to click. they could be tight as hell too.

good luck.

bjburns13

The clicking only happens when it is in four low. it does not click when it is in 4 high, and while in 4 low the clicking turns into more of a pop when it drives around sharp turns. However, if i drive it around the same turn in 2WD or 4 high it does not make a sound. The front axle still has spider gears in it so it cant be a locker, and if it were the u joint wouldn't it click when its not in 4 low also?

caged

not necessarily, there's no torque going through them in 2wd.

it sounds like that's your source.

bjburns13

but there is torque to it in 4 high and it doesn't do it then.

caged

not as much.
pull the shaft and see if the stub spins freely around the u-joint.