Noticed while I was out on the trail the other weekend that my Jeep was making a clicking noise while turning. After returning home, I looked to see what could be causing this. It only occurs in 4WD and while turning (both driver and passenger). I would have to assume that its only doing it while turning because there is more stress/binding occurring.

I thought that it was one of the u-joints in the front axle, so I just replaced both today and it's still making the same noise. So, back under the vehicle I went and it seems like the front driveshaft has play in the CV joint by the transfer case, or whatever that joint is called in a stock driveshaft.

Could this potentially be the issue, or do you guys think it could be something else?

It's a 2008 2-Door with a 3" Teraflex lift and 33's. There's no locker in the front, by the way.

 

That could definitely be it. The Rzeppa joint will click when its gone bad. Usually from the boot getting torn and the grease being thrown out. Normally only hear it in 4WD. There is a rebuild kit out there or time for a new drive shaft

http://www.quadratec.com/products/52302_0013.htm

 

Alright, thanks! I guess I'll just look into getting another driveshaft.

 

This sounds exactly like what happened to my 07 and the linked part above from qtec did the trick.

 

I don't know what it is; but I've had it happen on 2 new Jeeps, and a new truck as well. Everything checked out just fine, nothing was worn. Both front wheels, sounded like the hubs.

 

Ive had the same symptoms. My front driveshaft felt ok while on the jeep. After removing the front shaft, it turned out the u-joints were toast!

 

Any opinions on replacing the Rzeppa joint vs. getting a new driveshaft? I was looking at getting one from Adams, but may be considering replacing that joint.

 

How much lift do you have?
It'd be cheaper to change to joint, or find someone selling a stock shaft cheap.

 

Or just buy someone's stock driveshaft. Lots of people have them collecting dust in their garage.

 

I just replaced the joint but I knew I wouldn't have the jeep much longer. It's really just a temporary bandaid.

If you can pony up for an aftermarket shaft, that's your best bet in my opinion.