I just bought a 96 XJ sport and at low speeds it sounds like I have something rattling around in the front end.
U joints are good and when I make lock to lock tight turns it sounds like the axles aren't completely disengaged and sounds like gears grinding.
Are these problems potentialy related or two separate problems?
A friend seems to think that my transfer case linkage is out of adjustment.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Does the diff have fluid in it? TC have fluid? Check your wheel bearings.

 

Rocks in the hubcap..... brings back memories. I use to do that to my dad's car...I thought it was funny!

I am no expert but maybe wheel bearings? Wish I could be of more help though.

 

All the fluids are topped off...other than the noise this thing looks like it just came off the showroom...wheel bearings good...definitely sounds internal.

 

Sounds like you know what you need to check then.

 

honestly if I knew what I needed to do next, I wouldn't be on here trying to find out...somebody throw me a better bone than that

 

do you have lockers?

 

No lockers, jus stock XJ with 2inch econo lift and 31x10.5

 

Did you recently go wheeling with a friend or 2?

I ask cause there's a old joke wheelers will play on each other than gives that sound..

 

Stupid suggestion.

Check the little clamps that hold the leaves together on your REAR leafsprings.

Yes , REAR.

I had this anoying sound, like what your describing.
Could have SWORN it was in the front end.
And i did find some things that needed attention.

But one day i was wheelin up in Silverton and driving by a solid rock wall......
Leaned out to take a pic , and thought......that rattle sounds like it coming from...........the BACK?

Checked brakes , ok.
Shocks? ok.
Laying underneath in frustration i hit the leafsprings.....rattle rattle.....
It was that stupid little clamp.
1 plastic ziptye and problem solved.

 

i had an ungodly rattle in the front of my XJ and it turned out to be worn out swaybar bushings. check all your steering linkage, maybe give everything a good greasing. if you say it sounds like the axles are disengaging you might check your hubs