Okay guys I tried to figure out how to upload a recording I used with my iphone to post but cannot figure out how, not really a computer guy...anyway I have googled the issue and so many different things as to what people "say it is" so I want input from the experts! When I drive around normally (2wd) in my jeep I can turn sharp and no noise at all. When I engage 4 wheel drive hi or lo and turn it starts popping and the more gas I give it just turning in circles in a grass field the faster the popping gets. once you straighten back out it goes away. Any thoughts on what might be causing this? Im thinking Ujoints but im no expert. I can send the recording I took via email or text if anyone is interested in helping me out to give their thoughts just PM me. Thanks for all your help.


btw its a 2001 XJ 4.5" lift with 33x12.50s

 

check the ujoints for play.

 

I crawled under it and turned the wheel out and tried to check for any play in them. Do I need to jack the front end off the ground and check them that way? or any other special way of doing that?

 

You can just try to wiggle the inner shaft while it's on the ground, keep the wheels straight, if they are turned, there would be pressure on them and probably a little bind so it wouldn't act like there was play. You can sometimes tell by just looking at them that they look loose too by the seals on the endcaps.

I mean if it's clicking while turning in 4wd and the ujoints are pretty old, there is a 99% chance it's the ujoints.

 

Lock it in 4x4, jack stands on axles so the tires are able to be spun, when my u joints were bad I could spin the tire probably 6 inches back and forth. A good U joint shouldnt allow the tire to move when its lock in 4x4

 

You need to stop doing this, unless you want to replace broken, expensive parts. 4wd is for slippery surfaces only.

 

It was a slippery grass field .. Thanks I'll do try those other tips today and see how it goes.

 

It depends on the transfer case. I had a 242 in my 91. I could put it in 4 all time and leave it in on dry roads. On my 99 with a 231 I only have part time so if I have dry roads I ruin my transfer case. Look up what transfer case you have and research.