97xj 4.0l automatic Chrysler 8.25, 164K miles. I just got this thing running and have only been driving it a few weeks. I have noticed a noise that I think is coming from the rear end. When I put it in drive there is a jerk and a clunk when the tranny engages. I can hold my foot on the break and go to reverse and I get no noise or motion beyond what I would consider normal. When I go back to drive I again get the jerk and the noise. Would this be from wear & tear in the rear end or what could it be coming from?

 

Worn u-joints, motor mounts, transmission mount, loose u-bolts, loose bolts on the drum backing plates, loose caliper bolts, rear end, etc.

It could come from a lot of things. Get under the Jeep and have someone simulate the problem while you watch for it.

I had one do that but it only did when I had come to a stop, let off the brakes and hit the gas. It clunked when I let off the brake.

Turned out to be a bad u-joint in the rear DS.