03 jeep grand cherokee automatic v6 get a real bad popping sound when first shifting coming from where my finger is pointed not much sound when actually driving which has me confused any ideas where to start not much experience with jeeps

 

Under that rubber boot is a slip-yoke which allows the drive shaft to move closer/further from the transfer case as the rear axle goes up and down. When first accelerating there is a lot of rotational pressure on the shaft, and the back of the vehicle also squats, so if it doesn't move in/out smoothly it will pop or "thump" or "clunk".

It likely needs to be lubricated (standard axle grease will do), and is "popping" during early acceleration, and sometimes when stopping.

 

I will have to try that its rare when accelerating but a little while breaking

 

"popping sound when first shifting"

If it happens when first shifting, that is during acceleration right? Such as when leaving a traffic stop?

 

Just from dead stop like starting the engine and shifting its fine while in gear n driving