Recently, on my 1994 XJ with the 4.0L, I've been noticing a clunk that occurs on startup after I let go of my key from start and then hear a clanging sound lightly while in park. When I put it in drive, it goes away and no problems.

Anyone have any ideas?

 

Sounds like the transmission mount to me.

 

Well, I replaced my transmission mount this weekend since it was a cheap part. While my mount was FUBAR upon inspection, I still have the clunk...except now, it sounds more like marbles in a coffee can but its not there when in drive and sometimes it doesn't occur while starting up or even in park. My friend listened to it and he first thought it was perhaps my bearings but the fact it goes away makes him think its perhaps something in the oil pan trying to get sucked up.

Any ideas now?

 

Could it be your transfer case shifter? Mine makes a similar noise, it goes away if i place a small amount of pressure on the shifter. There is a probably a worn plastic bushing in the shift mechanism somewhere. Try that out before you go nuts searching.

 

Interesting...I will take a look at the transfer case linkage...but I'm surprised it sounds like a can of marbles.