I have a 2000 xj, drives great for having 320,000 kms on it (200,000 miles!) Until I put it in 4hi or 4lo, I hear a loud clank. Whatever, its a jeep, I shrug it off. But when I turn the clank is back and its continuous like the u joints are binding or something. also a lot, I mean a lot of rotational play on front DS. Havent checked the drive shaft play in 4wd yet. But could that clanking mean ... New u joints? Front diff rebuild? New FDS? What? Im lost, need help ... Thanks

 

Sounds like the slip yoke on the front shaft is worn out. get under it and see how much play it has up and down side to side, may try to grease it but I would say its shot probably

 

I'm out here right now playing with it. When its in 4x4 hi or lo, absolutely no play what so ever. The clanking is only when turning, axle u joints maybe?

 

Could be ujoint but if there clanking there broke lol usually they will click or squeak, if u can move them while its 2wd there probably bad, my 2000 clanks in 4lo but all the time my slip yoke has alot of play too

 

Ok so how would I test that? And do you mean broken axles?

 

It still drives straight and turns when in 4x4 just really noisy when turning

 

No broken ujoint like no needle bearing left in the cap it would clank when turning, just grab the axle shaft and see how much play the ujoints have may have to Jack it up put it on stands with all four wheels off the ground and stick it in drive and lock it in 4lo

 

Look for rust around the ujoint caps too, if it's not a ujoint may have to pull the diff cover and check your ring and pinon and spider gears if no locker,

 

I should of asked does it have a front locker?

 

Not sure if it had a front locker or not. Its a bone stock 2000 jeep cherokee sport. So I doubt it. I'm thinking it is the u joints, now I just have to find a thread on how to replace those lol. I guess were taking the car camping tomorrow. Haha thanks for all your help

 

There easy to replace just need a bfh and a old 13/16 socket & a block of wood, you have to take the shafts out its about a 2hr job if you never done it before