So, I have a 91 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4x4. I haven't been able to drive the Jeep because there is a constant clunking and the Jeep "jumps" constantly when I put it in reverse and drive. I don't believe it is the transmission only because I haven't noticed any slipping or any other things that needed to be serviced. I figured it was my transfer case however, I took the front driveshaft off and the clunking is still horrible. I have concluded that it is possibly bad U-joints. However, I wanted some confirmation on that. Please and thank you.

 

This sounds like a stretched chain in the transfercase as it skips teeth on the drive gear. Common issue on these transfercases.

 

But seeing as how my front driveshaft is out, the transfer shouldn't be affecting the Jeep's driveline, correct??

 

it still can be the transfer case because the transmission is connected to the transfer case and then it drives the rear driveshaft. basically the power comes from the engine then to the trans then the trans is hooked up to the transfer case then its to the rear driveshaft. hope that helps you out

 

when i had bad front u-joints, both were very sloppy and there was a whole lot of play in them but it didnt drive bad. I had 3 of the 4 caps on the driver side front one shattered or missing and the 4th didnt have any needle bearings inside it anymore. A bad ujoint on a driveshaft may cause clunking when accelerating or decelerating, id say check the back ones and see how they are.

If the ujoints are fine, you may have broken a few teeth in your diff which will most definitely cause clunking.

 

Put the front driveshaft back in and remove the rear and drive it. See if the noise (clunk) is gone. If so, you have narrowed the problem down to bad rear U joints. But you will more than likely be able to tell as soon as you pull it if the joints are bad. If they are original they are probably dust by now. If not, then you should check the TC.

 

Well, thanks for everyone input. But, my rear diff is shot. And I just sold my "spare" 8.25 for $80 about a week ago because I thought I'd never need it. Lol. Just my luck...

 

that sucks. check around on local forums and craigslist along with ebay using a location search, may find one for a good price. good luck