staffy2002

go easy on me, never had a 4wd before

got a 2.5TD 97 xj manual transmission

every time i start her up the transfer case knocks on the floor, if i grab the case from underneath and rock it from side to side it keeps hitting the floor.

trans case mount maybe??

Firestorm500

Could be. I had a knocking in my '87 Pioneer from the transfer case area.

I later found out that 2 big bolts were missing from the rear mount. This allowed the Xfer case to swing back and forth about 4 inches.

Got the bolts from a dealer, but couldn't get them to start no matter how I trie--laying on my back under the Jeep.

Took it to the Jeep dealer. He said these fall out all the time.

But it still took an experienced mechanic one hour, on a lift, to install them.

I was glad to pay them. No more knocking!

jd4x426

probably a transimision or possibly motor mount

4.3L XJ

Motor mounts. Have someone look under the hood while you engage it with the parking brake on. You will probably see the motor rise up

bigbadcherokee

x2

XJ4life92

i know i thought mine was doing it forever. i couldnt figure it out, when i turned left and hit the gas, or just started it. it wasnt my transfer case, it was just my exhaust rubbing on my crossmember. you should check that out first.

EndlessMtnFab

Which would ALSO be mount related .....



Joe
EndlessMtnFab

XJ4life92

i doubt it, cause my front bump stops are shot, and i bottemed it out so my u joint hit my downpipe/frontpipe, and bent the **** outta it. and i had a mechanic check out my mounts, theyre fine

Howler_GT

Check the exhaust pipe where it goes over the cross-member.

There are several reasons this hits:

1: Exhaust was impacted at some point in time.
2: Exhaust was installed by a less-than-experienced person.
3: Exhaust hanger at trans mount has either come undone/ never installed right/broke off.
4: Trans mount is failing and has compacted.

mphudak

Also check the TC shift linkage bushings. My LJ did it at less then a year old. Jeep had a Service bulletin for the early TJ's, so I'm assuming the bushings would of been the same on the XJ's.

Jeep Guy

I had this same problem on my XJ and it was from a poorly installed exhaust. took it back to the muffler shop and they made some adjustments. no more rattle.