got an odd question for you guys. i was out 4x4ing with my cherokee the other day. and promptly sunk it and nearly killed it.

well after some drying she was all peachy..kinda.

took out the starter and alt. i replaced these with ones off a grand cherokee.

but i still have this ratcheting sound problem.

after its been sitting (hot or cold) it will make the sound when i go to take off in drive or reverse.

in park and reving it will not make the sound. and underneath everything seemed tight and not hitting

it will also go away after it gets warm (again).

what are your guys thoughts. tried searching and came up with nothing.

maybe its mud in the cat or maybe the trans is ****ered....it was hunting in and out of overdrive ONCE a week after said outting and hasnt done it since.

any help would be great!

Sometimes a bad u-joint will make a rythmic clunking sound that will be more pronouned when accelerating. Does the noise stop when you let off the gas? If so, it may be just a u-joint.

it ONLY does it when i first start it. if i leave it sit for 30 seconds to a minute its fine it wont make the sound.

take off right after and she will mkae the sound. im starting to bet its the starter staying engaged to long.

sounds probable? does it need a new starter then?