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Clunk noise when accelerating.

jeeplag

NAXJA Forum User
Location
VIRGINIA
Hello all. I have 96 Jeep XJ 4x4 with the inline 6. It is stock with a Dana 30 in the front and a Corporate 8.25 in the rear. My issue is that when I accelerate from a stop I hear a loud clunk. After that I don't hear it unless I'm at a complete stop. One I accelerate I may hear it again, but it is not as loud. I also hear it when I go from reverse to drive. I have looked around and removed the DS to inspect the u-joint. All is good. I did notice this weekend while I was replacing the rear drum brakes that as I turned the hub on the passenger side rear the was some play and a small clunk. So I checked the drivers side rear hub and spun that. There was no play and clunk. So I'm thinking it may be an issue with a spider gear in the rear diff??? I haven't checked the rear diff but was wondering if anyone else had run into this issue.
 
Clunking rear axles are rather common, and not really a problem. As you have done already, one would inspect the u-joints, inspect the ring/pinion/spider gears, inspect the motor and transmission mounts, and inspect the suspension and shock bushings. Lubricating the rear output slip yoke will likely reduce the clunking.
 
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Tim mentioned the slip yoke. I too have a 96 that had a clunk that you could feel rather than hear. It was the slip yoke that needed lube. That's very common on these XJs. Mine also did it when accellerating after a stop.
 
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