Jeep info- 2008 JKU Rubicon with 4" lift and 56,000 miles purchased used 3 months ago. Automatic transmission.

I was out wheeling with a friend on some minor terrain this afternoon. There was one section through a steep ditch that required 4 wheel drive. For good measure, I activated the front and rear lockers. We cleared the obstacle, did notice any contact under the vehicle, stopped and shifted as normal from 4L to 4H to 2wd. The shift was a little harder than usual and had a little grinding noise. After shifting and while moving there was a loud clattering (like marbles in a can) that sounds like it was associated with something rotating. You do not hear the sound when parked. While driving in 4L, 4H, 2H and coasting in Neutral the loud metallic clattering returns immediately upon exceeding 5 mph. After exceeding 5 mph, the sound gets louder. It seems like the issue is in the drive train in the area of the transfer case forward.

We ended up leaving the Jeep out on the side of a dirt road to go home for a recovery car hauler. Any ideas as to what the issue may be, or similar experiences?

 

Sounds like a busted U-joint, busted ring & pinion or transfer case.

 

^^^^^what he said.

hopefully just a ujoint. They're cheap and easy to replace.