So, for a while, I though my tranny wasnt shfting right and the rpms were running high. Today, I was actually watching the rpms as I drove around town and it consistantly shifted at or below 2k rpm in every gear. But, there is this whining noise of a sort (sounds like an engine sticking at high rev). Could my wheel bearings be shot? Cant say that ive ever had to deal with wheels bearings... in an automobile. Is it a difficult task?

Does the noise stop when the vehicle stops? Get louder or quieter when you turn?

Yes! The noise stops when I stop. Can't really say whether it gets louder when turning or not. But it does get louder at acceleration and quieter at deceleration.

I would try to identify the location of the noise. Check your wheel bearings to see if they are the culprit. If not then start looking as to where it's coming from. It might be coming from the rear axle. Might even be a bearing that is attached to the serpentine belt.

Today, I gave the jeep a quick walkaround and pulled at each wheel. One wheel (rear) had some play in it. So, I jacked up the front and did it again... all was good. I jacked up the rear and the rear left one had play in it. However, it wasnt shaking by alternating pulling from left to right or up and down. But, I could grab each side of the wheel and pull it in and out (maybe an eigth of an inch; give or take). Could that possibly still be a bearing. On that note, the drum moved with the wheel. Any ideas?

I still have yet to have the time (or the finances) to actually work ion it. But, so far I have jacked up each corner and not felt any play in any of the wheels; other than the in/out play in the rear (it's minimal). I have noticed, though, that when I bump the steering to the left, the noise gets considerably quieter. Shoot for the front left hub?

the rear wheel moving in and out a tiny bit is normal, if the noise is related to how fast you are moving its something in the driveline. Could be anything from something stuck in the brakes to bad wheel bearings. The only way you can know for sure is to try and diagnose it yourself based on what you hear and where you hear it while driving.

Bearing noise usually gets louder as you turn into the direction of the offending side. Differential noises are usually even across the board, and often the most noise happens when crusing. Exhaust noises often are loudest when accellerating. It's possible that this is only an exhaust manifold, exhaust tubing or flange leak. Keep looking and you will find it.

Yeah, im pretty certain its not the exhaust. I had an exhaust leak w/ the manifold , then replaced it w/ an APN manifold... no more leaky exhust. The sound is more like a shot bearing... but it could be a ujoint... or the diff...or, hell, I dunno.

Today, while laying around under the jeep, I was pulling on just about everything (suspsension) that I could wrap my hands around. I noticed that the left UCA had some play in it. It appears to have a worn bushing. Is there a possibility, this could be causing the front end to howl?

Front driveshaft is also a thought.... Been down this road before and a super dry cv ball was the culprit.

Is whining present when sitting still and you rev up engine ? suspect would be frozen/locked up fan clutch. If only while driving possible front pump on transmission.

It's actually more of a howl. It starts howling around 20-25mph and increases as speed increases... up to a point; and stops when I almost come to a complete stop. I have already had each wheel off of the ground and checked for play; all was good. And I tried looking for play in suspension pieces today, the front left upper control arm has some play; looks like the bushing is shot.