There is a strong knocking coming from behind the engine but in front of the trans...any ideas? There has been some hesitation..slipping..and sometimes not even engaging of the trans on uneven ground, but when I roll to flat ground it engages.

 

Loose Torque converter bolts are a very common problem causing knocking noises in XJs, assuming you have an auto, if the previous assumption is correct, slipping could be caused by low fluid in the trans. check level ASAP.

 

Yeah its an automatic, the fluid level is good, still does it.:-/ do you think it could be the torque converter causing the slipping, hesitation and stuff like that? I've read up on it a little but not 100% convinced that it is the culprit.

 

How about a 5spd making the same noise from the same area? Flex plate bolts?

 

5spd will have a flywheel not a flexplate. Not sure if their bolts loosen up the same as the flexplate though.

 

AHHA, i wonder if the previous owner screwed something installing the clutch? or when he swapped from an auto to a 5spd. should i pull the tranny and bell housing back and take a peek?

 

I'm havin the same problem with the noise but no slipping. I figured it was the converter bolts because I had just swapped the engine recently and I could only get a closed end wrench in there to tighten with. Any one have any idea how to get a torque wrench in there?