After getting off the highway the other day my 96 started making a clunking sound under the floor board. Sounded and felt kinda like a flat, in fact that's what I thought it was at first. After pulling over to check and seeing nothing out of ordinary I took off again. Same noise and feel. Sounds like something wants to fall off. It only got worse every mile I went so I finally just towed it back to the house. I originally thought maybe the drive shaft or u joints but I don't really think that's it or is it? Any suggestions or possibilities that would help me track down the culprit would be greatly appreciated.

B_willy_D has a work in progress Cherokee Forum

 

Have you pulled the rear wheels and checked your rear brake's yet? While it on jack stands spin your rear wheels and see if you hear anything,also remove diff cover and inspect your rear end gears.

 

Check lug nuts and all the drive line stuff. really sounds like a u-joint gave up on you, they trend to vibrate and shake right before they explode...

 

Try axle shaft u joints too and jack it up spin the front tires put it in 4 wheel drive and check transfercase chain it might be loose and skiping teeth.Good luck.

 

Thanks guys I've replaced u joints I've put brand new drums and wheel cylinders on both back I've pulled the cover on the rear end and everything seems to be ok there gear oil was pretty dirty but didn't see anything out of place or damaged. Clunking still going on once I get to about 25 or faster. Feels like its under my feet and it stops when I hit the brakes. I've put on new track bar a few months ago but have not replaced any other bushings or suspension parts. Could this clunking noise be related to any part of front suspension.

B_willy_D has a work in progress Cherokee Forum

 

try removing the front driveshaft, easy and eliminates one thing that spins in the drivetrain

 

wheel bearings possibly??? please tell me if im wrong, i believe im having the same kinda issue

 

u joints in the front drive shaft? front diff? wheel bearings? does the noise have a pattern, does it change tempo the faster you go? does it change when in 4 wheel drive?

 

Wheel bearings going out will 9/10 be accompanied by a growling sound, and almost like a grinding feel in the steering wheel (if in the front).

 

yea when mine went out it sounded like a rock was stuck up against the rotor.

 

hmm i was wrong then...it almost seems like a flat tire but not as bad what else should i check?

 

Check your passenger side engine mount bracket? If the bolts to the block shear off the engine drops down and the DS can bounce off the floor.

 

Hard look at those engine mounts, front drive shaft cv / cardigan joint, and check for play in your control arm bushings and your fasteners of the cross member mounting your tranmission mount.