Ok all, ive found a couple threads on this subject. There is a clunking noise coming from the rear. it happens when I take off from a stop. It feels like a mount is loose somewhere. its a 98 with 184,000 on the clock. i replaced the drums in the rear. All original shocks, and the leaf spring inserts (whatever they are called) are shot. Let me get some opinions.

 

On my 1988 Cherokee with 275,000 km, I had a similar "clunking".

Turned out it was the rear drive shaft u-joint. It was almost completely shot... replaced it and clunking is gone.

 

All the u-joints seemed fine. i mean they arent like new, but far from shot. Ill put it back on the lift and check them again. i can live with that being the problem, much better than a new tranny.

 

All clunking noises I've had from my 96 xj have been a result of the Ujoints or the bearings.

 

I would think Ujoints but its not impossible that the leaf spring bushings if they are shot clunking when the suspension loads up on take off. BTW the ujoints should have no noticible play in them definitely an easy enough fix great place to start.

 

Mine does it too. bearings and U joints are fine.
I've heard it's the Slip yoke sliding in/out of the trans. Not lubed so it loads up and releases. Someone mentioned some sort of copper grease. Remove, grease splines and replace. Clunk gone. It's somewhere on NAXJA.

I should get off my **** and take my own advice and stop my clunk too.

 

My clunk is more felt than heard and is occasional from a start. I'll remove the rear drive shaft and check the u-joints. I'll also grease the slip yoke splines. Thanks for the info.

 

well tomorrow i guess i will grease the splines. thanks for the info, and i'll let ya'll know if it works.

 

You can use the copper, but I wouldn't make a special trip to buy it. The regular aluminum type works just fine.

 

springs were hung up in the right rear drum. im still going to lube the splines and replace shocks, but that was what it was.