mexirican

Every time I put my Cherokee into 4WD, I get a loud popping noise that is comming from right under the seat. I took a look at it today and the u-joints are fine. (Had to change the rear ones already so I know what to look for) There is a little play in the front drive shaft, I dont know if it is supposed to be there. Anyways, I cant use 4WD at all. The noise scares the hell out of me. Any ideas?

muddeprived

Does the popping noise occur while you are moving straight ahead or turning or stationary? By "little play" do you mean you can turn it by hand a little? if so, that's normal.

BlueXJ

Could be the chain in the TC popping. That would be bad b/c you need to crack it open and change the chain and possibly the chain sprockets. You won't know for sure until you get it opened up though.

okcjeeper

I think next summer I am going to crack open my tc and replace the chain and sprockets and a couple other things..Should be fun and if I can come across a spare 242 I'll snag it rebuild it then swap..

BlueXJ

That is my plan. I have already aquired the spare 242 and next is to rebuild it. Then I'll just set it on the shelf until needed and pop it right in.

okcjeeper

Sounds like a good plan indeed...I also need to acquire a 97+ 8.25 or D44 from an XJ and then I can proceed to rebuild both along with the D30 I am working on atm...

mexirican

The noise only happens when Im moving in 4WD. Foward or back.

BlueXJ

Gotta be the transfercase or related parts. This is going to require you under the Jeep looking at all related items and if it can be put on a lift so you can have it running and in gear while listening and feeling the various parts then it will be much easier to pin down the sound.

okcjeeper

I agree with blue gotta be the tc...if it was the diff would happen in 2wd as well same with the trany...

muddeprived

if he has an older model, the CAD system could be causing it when shifting in 4wd.

okcjeeper

Good point hadn't thought of that..

BlueXJ

What is CAD? I think you are refering to the vacuum disconnect but I think that accronym is incorrect, may be wrong though. I have always heard it refered to as the Vacuum Axle Disconnect or VAD. If he has a 242 he doesn't have that system.

drakan1908

CAD I think stands for Central Axle Disconnect and he has a 231 tc

BlueXJ

Could be the source of his noise then. I don't have that and have never worked on one more than put new vacuum lines. So I am not going to be much help I'm afraid to say.

okcjeeper

Yeah blue I am not familiar with that style as well..Only ones I have any experience on are 242 tc's..and that's mine and 2 friends locally..