I have a 1992 Cherokee with the 4.0 engine. It makes a loud clunking noise when cranking and also gives one clunk when turning off. There is no noise when driving or sitting at idle, only when cranking and turning off.

A friend of mine suggested it was the teeth on the starter going, so I pulled the starter out of my wrecked parts car and swapped them out, yet the NOISE REMAINS!!

Anyhelp or ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks

 

have you checked your motor mounts and or tranny mount?

 

I won't be the starter since you said it happens when you start it and shut it down. Because you starter doesn't engage when shutting it off. Like caged said, Start by checking the motor and trans mounts.