M0nty

Hey guys -- as the title says I have pretty noticeable vibration in my jeep when I am stopped in drive. It only happens when I am in drive, when I shift to neutral it goes away -- if I shift back it doesn't come back until I drive and stop at a light again. Additionally it doesn't seem to do it uphill or on a level surface most noticeable when leaning downhill... which makes it even more strange.

Prelim: The jeep is a 2001 Cherokee XJ with a 3" RC kit with full leafs, it has a T-Case drop. The Jeep was previously on a no name lift kit, it was lifted about 2 inches and put on 33" tires. When I initially lifted the Jeep, it had some vibrations while driving, and the t-case drop fixed it. Since then I have put on another 2k miles and this has started to happen. It has definitely become worse as I drove, so I have it parked until I figure out this issue.

Before anyone asks -- yes I have changed both my motor and trans mounts within the last month. At this point I am just curious to see if anyone recognizes this issue and might know a fix! I am going to replace my u-joints and wheel bearings and seals very soon so I will post back if that ends up solving the problem. One of my wheel bearings (or maybe my carrier bearing) howls like an mf and definitely needs replacing. Could wheel bearings cause something like this?

I appreciate any help or assistance! I will post back with any additional info as needed. I would like to get this figured out so I can daily my XJ again!

cruiser54

Look here.

cruiser54

And FWIW, wheel bearings and u joints won't cause any vibration sitting still.
I've also seen these bolts loose or missing.

M0nty

@cruiser54 Just checked my exhaust, it looks like it has plenty of clearance. When it does vibrate, it doesn't make any sounds like metal on metal or anything. All of my transmission mount bolts are there and tight. I made sure to torque them to spec when installing my new mount as well.

I also tried to wiggle my exhaust pretty hard and it doesn't seem to be loose and the hanger looks to be in good shape.

That Jeep Guy XJMJ

Check your bell housing bolts. I have dealt with shady vibes on an XJ or two over the years and have found loose bell housing bolts to my surprise. Primarily the ones @ 9-3 oclock if that makes sense. This may be a obscure shot but its simple enough to check them out