So yesterday, we went up for a short run to the mountains to play in the snow and test out the 4WD on the Jeep for the first time. When starting off in 4WD, there's a very obvious popping type noise that appears to be coming from the front drivetrain somewhere. It doesn't matter if it's 4hi/4lo, it just happens when accelerating from a stop to about 5mph, after that it goes away and everything seems fine, including the 4WD.

I haven't had much chance to look at it yet, all I've had time to check is the U-Joints, engine/tranny mounts etc..No play in the u-joints, all the mounts look fine. It's kind of hard to explain, but it has me a bit worried. I will be crawling underneath it in a little while to investigate a little further, but I live in apartments so I can't get too carried away. Any specific things I should check for? Thanks

 

it does sound like a bad u-joint. they don't have to have play to be bad. sometimes the axle joints can seize a little, making them stiff.

when you check those, make sure the jeep is in 2wd and neutral to let off any driveline bind. just be sure to chock the wheels.