My '93 Laredo had been making a new noise i couldn't find. Sorta 'ka-chinka-jingle', with a new very slight vibration. Checked all wheel bearings, u-joints.. all good. It did feel like some play in the front driveshaft (axial?) not spinning, but grab and shake. I rarely use 4wd, and NEVER on dry surface. I put it in 4hi and I've for sure found the problem. The NP231 is very noisy, and doesn't shift in/out smoothly as it always has in the past. I'm guessing the noise (in 2wd) is the chain hitting something? In 4wd it's so growly ya can't hear any 'jinglin', but I think it's toast.
I studied up on 'em and they're quite expensive- rebuilt, reman'd, rebuild 'kits' etc. I hesitate to just replace it with a pic 'n pull. So..
Tell me stuff. I know an inspection is necessary to be sure what the problem is, but i'm a TC virgin and many here know all about 'em. Fluid is newish, I maintain my Jeep with real religious fervor.. (for you atheists, read that OCD) Any words will be appreciated!

 

What do you consider expensive? I am in the process of switching from a 249 to a 231 and the new case, rebuild parts and a 2 low kit were under $1k for all of it.

I'm not trying to be rude just kinda wondering what kind of prices your seeing?

 

Probably the same prices you're seeing.. $400+ is too rich for me.. I haven't taken off the drive shaft yet, but I did a thorough search on here and found that it 'might' be the u-joints going bad. Fingers crossed! All new u-joints under $50.. that'd be more like it I'm currently supporting 3 vehicles and they all seem to be wanting parts at once here lately.