socalchuckster

99 cherokee, 4.0, 30 hp front and 8.25 hp rear, 242 transfer case. Every thing is stock in a very unabused (for now) and rust free XJ (I am The second owner). I've noticed a rotational thumping sound comming from the rear of the jeep, most noticeably at slow speeds (5-35 mph). I greased up my rear drive shaft slip joint, and checked all my U-joints and they don't have any play in them. I'm trying to trouble shoot it before I start tearing apart things that don't need to be taken apart since this is my DD and our families only vehicle at this time. I put the rear end on jack stands and put the jeep in drive to try and pin point where the thumping is comming from and it was quiet while on the jack stands. Drove it around the block afterwards and the thump was still there. So maybe only while under load will the thump occur? Can it be the transfer case chain? Rear differential? I looked and it doesn't appear that the driveshafts are making contact with the exhaust or anything else. Other than the thump the jeep drives great....I just want to fix the thump before it leaves us stranded (or worse) out on the highway.

Any help or advise would be great. Thanks again in advance guys and gals

Just Another XJ from AK

You may have a bad tire, tread separating from the cord.

socalchuckster

new tires with less than 3000 miles on them and they are in good condition.

JeepMN

Double check every U-jount. Axle and driveshaft.