I was out doing some light wheeling today, just running around some washes, and something in the rear end started clunking, wheel hop, especially when turning. Any Ideas? Broken axle, rear end?
Any advice?
Dan

 

I would check the trackbar mounts first, both axle and frame but especially at the axle.

I say this not because of your symptoms but because it is a known weak spot, especially at the axle.

 

Not really the rear end, but this didn't happen when shifting in or out of 4WD, did it? Transfer case shifter linkage is a known weak spot. Otherwise, crawl under Jeep and see if anything looks unusual. Also dip finger into rear diffy fluid and ensure level and quality are okay. It may smell foul, but not burned. You may want to pull diffy cover and eyeball things.

 

Everything looks ok underneath. It will not move in two wheel drive at all. I think something really broke.

 

Exactly what does it do/sound like now when you try to drive it?

 

Also, is this a six speed or an auto? BTW: Xfr case problem I mentioned can cause vehicle to be stuck in neutral. Does the xfr case shifter feel solid/normal?

 

It is an auto, and the transfer case works. It makes gringing,clanging noises

 

sounds like an axle shaft.

 

Put it in neutral, jack up the rear and see if you can spin the tires by hand.

 

It was the spider gear.