My 01 when braking hard has a very noticable rathcing / clicking sound from behind the dash whenever braking hard or going over bumps, for sure deals with the front of the car going down. but it comes from behind the dash, I would suspect a speedo cable if these wernt electronic. I searched the forum, but found nothing that was helpfull. Any ideas?, does NOT make very good small talk when in the car with a member of the opposit sex lol

sounds like a abs issue? Do you have abs, if so is the abs or brake light on?

X2

Forgot to mention no ABS on my cherokee

I have the same problem with my 1996 Cherokee Sport. No one seems to have an answer for me either. no ABS brakes.

I'm experiencing the very same issue with my 96 Country (and just as the OP, no ABS). Hopefully by resurrecting this thread someone out there can humble us with knowledge on the situation.

I'm more in fear of something going horribly wrong and failing than anything. I only get it under heavy braking and rapid deceleration (usually 30+ to stop).It's been how it is for years with no change.

Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated.

I still have the problem, but here is the best I can figure with what's going on...

When under heavy braking the caliper isn't holding one side of the pad square against the disc, causing it to vibrate and rattle against the "stops" used to hold the pad. (The tongues that the pad rest on, not where it inserts into the caliper). This is where the ratcheting sound comes from.
I have no idea if the caliper is faulty in my case but I am certain the pads and rotors are not warped or unevenly worn.
Also, maybe the fact that this end of the Jeeps braking system (Drivers-Front) is closest to the brake booster could play some part in what's going on.

This may be completely off from what's actually wrong but for anyone searching for this problem hopefully my findings can help.