SG Mason

Just a quick question, how much rotational play should there be in the front drive shaft?

The other day when I put the Jeep in 4 hi there was a loud popping noise. Only one pop just as I started to move. I was on hard packed snow that was starting to break up so the tires were free to spin. My first thought was u-joints, but they seem acceptable with no noticeable play. I did notice that there seems to be a fair amount of rotational play, as if the ring and pinion have too much gap or the TC chain has a lot of stretch and play in it. I would make a rough estimate that I get an inch of rotation on the drive shaft with all 4 tires on the ground. It is the same if the TC is in 2 hi or 4wd. I am going to be doing a SYE in the next month or two, and will replace the chain at that time whether it needs it or not. An ounce of prevention could save a ton of frustration.

I do not hear any noises while driving in 2wd or when in 4wd other than the pop when I first start to move in 4wd.

Larry's XJ

(bump)

Timothy Martinez

Did you find anything out about the drive shaft. I'm having same issue on my 99 xj