99 XJ
4.0L
4x4 - D30 front and D35 Rear with factory LSD.
Recently I've started to notice a very slight sound that seems to possibly be coming from the drive shaft.... I haven't tried with the front axle engaged yet.
But at very slow crawl speeds in traffic jams... a very slight clunk sound especially when not under load less than 5ish mph. the drive line U joints don't have very many miles on them... replaced a couple years ago. so wasn't suspecting those going bad.
Jeep is not abused. I do note that checking (when parked obviously) with the front shaft dis-engaged, that there is maybe 1/2' of play in it. Is that normal when the front is dis-engaged? None none in the rear shaft while in Park.
I may be off base... but have to start somewhere.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. I like to handle small issues before they become big ones or leave ya on the side of the road.

 

Has literally no-one heard this before?.....wow.

 

Is it a rotational clunk? If so, pop the front shaft out and see if it still does it.

 

Put the rear end up on jack stands, then check the rear ujoints for play. do the same to the front. there will be movement in the front shaft, but clunking noise should be evident in 2 or 4 wheel.

 

Yeah... main thing here is that the U-joints have less than 8k on them. No play in the rear drive shaft at all. Zero... and with the front disengaged the front shaft has maybe half inch of play... but that is with it disengaged. The U-joints where quality spicer brand when replaced.
The Jeep has only about 110k on it and she's a '99.

 

Well what have you done to figure out what's making the noise besides ask here? Do you suspect the front shaft or rear shaft? You're gonna have to get under it, jack it up and spin everything. Get off the computer and into the garage.

 

will do that and report back soon as I have the chance. thanks.

 

I'm replacing a front axle u-joint right now (passenger) that was making a similar sound. Jack up the front and spin each wheel clockwise and ccw.. jiggling.. and look at the u-joint and see if there is any play there. My hub was good so the issue was disguised until I played with the wheel when jacked up.

 

I hope it's not that on mine... she only has about 120k original on the clock... but with 25 years on the road, it's possible. I really don't want to or have the time to pull that and replace it... but will definitely check. Thanks.