bojacks

I have a 1995 automatic Grand Cherokee Loredo with 288K miles on it. I love it caues it just keeps running and running. However it is now making a clicking noise from what I am assuming is the transfer case. It only does it while moving in 2Wdr at any speed. When I switch to 4wd it makes a clittaty clackitty noise for 10 seconds or so and then the noise goes away. I can then switch back to 2wdr noise free until I have to stop and start again. In 4wdr it makes a loud metal grinding sound when decelerating and a thumping sound when making turns.

What am I dealing with here? I would really like to make 300K miles + with this vehicle. If the transfer case is the problem are they very expensive, is it something I can do myself? Could it be something else like U joints or something?

Thanks for your help.

caged

yup, it sounds like your front axle shafts.
you might have u-joints, if so, check for play and replace them.

but i think you might have cv shafts. if so, i'd go to the junkyard and find yourself some u-joint shafts and rebuild them and install those in place of the cv shafts.

bojacks

I have a little more information. I was just under my jeep and if I grab the front drive shaft I can rotate it about 1/4 inch in either direction. When I rotate in one of those directions I can actually hear the click inside the transfer case. It sounds like something is hitting the inside of the case. It is definetly inside the case.

Now what do you think? Thanks

ironmanandy

take out your front drive shaft. Drive it. see how that goes.
if still there then check your CV or axle joints in your front shafts. you can also put the jeep on jack stands with the wheels off the ground (Jeep in neutral) and turn the parts (driveshafts) putting your hands on the Tcase to feel if that is where the little grinding is from.
I really think its your front drive shaft. I know you said it sounded inside the case but that is actually a little normal in some cases. These are just my thoughts. Good luck!

Andy-Ironman4x4

bojacks

ironmanandy

Just to be sure about your instructions, you want me to remove the front driveshaft and then drive the vehicle to see if the noise is still there.

Thanks for your help.

KD1

sounds like the chain has stretched & gone slack inside the TC......very common, especially with that kind if mileage!!

have even heard of the chain wearing its way thru the TC casing!!

how to fix? new chain or replacement TC!

ironmanandy

KD1 may be correct but yes remove the front shaft and take her for a spin. A worn drive shaft always feeds back as t case noise. I would start there. If its definitely your T case at least the shaft will be out already for the t case swap.
Andy-Ironman4x4