I finally purchased my first JK. 2009 RU. I bought it to use it. So the second day I hit the trail. Nothing big just a few mud holes, a few creek crossings and a couple climbs. The next day I noticed a noise coming from the front end (like metal slightly rubbing) and when in 4 wheel drive I get a loud popping/cracking sound at acceleration. Could this be the transfer case? I had one fail on a Chevy Tahoe years ago and the sound is very similar.

If so, Is there anything I can do at home to fix this and quiet it down? Or am l looking at a trip to the shop?

 

Check your u joint and drive shaft

 

+1 sounds like you might have a bad u joint, or maybe hit it on the trail.

 

Thanks guys... That helps me narrow it down. I'll check it out and see what I find.