i wanna start eliminating factors that might be contributing to a god awful noise. it started out just happening when in 4 and accelerating, but now there is a clunking noise/feeling from front end when in either 4 hi/low, or 2. it suddenly worsened last night and is now an aggressive vibration at speed and at lower speeds and turning, a clunking feeling thru the wheel and gas pedal... is it worth pulling the front shaft and if so, how??? this would be a first time project so any help is useful.
one more thought, i have just replaced the u joints in front end. the drivers side a week ago and the pass. side a few months ago. but there is a squirrel about to die in my front end... at least thats what it sounds like; a chirping, squeaking noise... wtf???

 

very simple either a 5/16 or 8 mm 6point box end wrech four bolts in the front four in the back be careful when taking the fron at the axle so caps dont fall off and all the needle bearings fall out

 

nice. ty. if needle bearings fall out, what would that mean? i know new driveshafts can be pricey, and i dont know what the availability for a used one is... the shaft has a fair amount of play in it, but the noise and actual vibration is much and the shaft doesnt seem to have gotten looser, but i spose that how it feels and looks is different than how it drives... ok.. time to get to it! thanks again!

 

They are 8mm 12 point bolts on the front of my '00 xj. on the axle side is 4 and the same on the transfer case side.

 

mines a 89 i got six point nuts buy a 12 point wrench it will work on either nut he has

 

you sit there digging in the grass to find them all or you put a new joint in cause most the time one never gets found lol everybodys been there

 

once again, ty! also for reference ive got a 99 xj. but it sounds like a 12pt. will work for all.