96 Jeep Cherokee 4.0 engine sounds horrible.. What can this be?

I posted a video on youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQA9...ature=youtu.be

 

Broken flex plate or loose torque converter bolts.

 

Maybe the pulleys. I just had almost the same exact noise. Couldn't see anything...in fact I checked the pulleys and at least by hand, I couldn't shake any of them...then the top pulley came loose and everything else with it. Posted a pic of the aftermath in OT in the random picture thread.

However--- mine is a 5.2

 

I agree with Bustedback. It sounds like a loose torque convertor. Does the noise disappear when you put it in gear? If it does, check the torque convertor drive bolts. I've seen cars still drive with only one bolt still in place. The other thing is sometimes the center of the flex plate will crack because of loose bellhousing bolts allowing it to flex too much.

The sound is too deep throated to be a pulley or water pump.

 

Just so everyone knows it was the torque converter bolts!

 

thanks for the help! =)

 

Very common. Mine did the same thing, sounded awesome after fixing it, and still does.