Nick N

They could be cracked, torn, missing...also check the metal brakets that
hold them. I've had one of those split. The same on those, you could get
some play out of them if you use a prybar. If you don't see anything,
simply check to make sure they are bolted down tight.
Nick

"Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
news:47b769ae.0402061212.691200ad@posting.google.c om...
> Thanks for the suggestions. I will do that this weekend (tomorrow) and
> see what I can find out. What should I look for when "visually"
> inspecting the motor mounts, aside from obvious cracking? Does anyone
> (Bill? ;-) ) have any links to pictures of good and bad motor mounts
> so I have a good reference point?
>
> Thanks. I appreciate the help. I'm also extremely pleased that no one
> is suggesting my tranny is going out or anything! =) I didn't think it
> was that, but it is still a worry in the back of my mind...
>
> /Bob
>
> "Nick N" <nnote@despammed.com> wrote in message
news:<PmwUb.21838$tP1.21094@fed1read07>...
> > Most likely your engine or tranny mounts. There's 2 under your hood and
1
> > mounting your tranny to the skid plate under your jeep. For the engine
> > ones, visually inspect them and for the tranny, see if you can move it
up
> > off the skid with a pry bar. If it moves your mount is probably bad.
If
> > you do have 1 bad one, replace all three. I'd bet your shifter gives a
good
> > shake when you start from a stop also.
> > Nick
> >
> > "Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
> > news:47b769ae.0402051047.b0abe06@posting.google.co m...
> > > I have been noticing a disturbing trend in my driveline lately. It's
> > > gotten to a point of good consistency, now, so I'd like help in trying
> > > to diagnose the problem. If any of you can give me some pointers on
> > > what parts to check (and possibly how to check them), in order of
> > > likeliness, I would appreciate it greatly!
> > >
> > > My Jeep: 1997 TJ I6 4.0L, 4" lift, 33" tires, D30 front, D44 rear
> > > (w/limited slip), AA SYE kit (installed myself), brand new CV front
> > > and rear driveshafts (front installed < 6 months ago, rear installed
> > > w/SYE kit in October-ish). Still original AX15 and NP231.
> > >
> > > The Problem: Whenever I first start from a stop, and often when apply
> > > the gas after a shift (especially in 1st through 3rd gears), I am
> > > getting a small but noticeable "thunk". I can't so much hear it, but I
> > > can feel it both through my seat and through my pedal (I can feel it
> > > when riding as a passenger in my jeep as well). This thunk also occurs
> > > when I let off the gas pedal quickly while in gear, especially
> > > noticeable in lower (more torquey) gears. It has become a futile
> > > battle of me trying to match my engine RPMs EXACTLY when shifting, and
> > > pulling the clutch out VERY slowly, in order to try to get the thunk
> > > to not occur; I am successful probably 40% of the time when I try
> > > this. So, it seems something is loose in my drivetrain or in something
> > > that has tension under forward and rearward drive direction, and
> > > thunks when extra power is applied, or if a deceleration force due to
> > > engine braking occurs. BTW, all of this is happening in 2-high mode.
> > >
> > > What should I check? So far, I've put the t-case in neutral and tried
> > > moving both the front and rear driveshafts. The rear had negligible
> > > play (pretty close to none); the front had quite a bit more play (but
> > > I have ruled that out as the cause since it is not even engaged at the
> > > transfer case end when I get this problem). Could this be control arm
> > > related? I have brand new teraflex adjustable rear control arms on it
> > > (installed at the time of my SYE kit), which I've kept greased
> > > properly... I haven't tried prying on them yet to see if they are the
> > > issue.
> > >
> > > Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions!
> > >
> > > /Bob

Nick N

They could be cracked, torn, missing...also check the metal brakets that
hold them. I've had one of those split. The same on those, you could get
some play out of them if you use a prybar. If you don't see anything,
simply check to make sure they are bolted down tight.
Nick

"Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
news:47b769ae.0402061212.691200ad@posting.google.c om...
> Thanks for the suggestions. I will do that this weekend (tomorrow) and
> see what I can find out. What should I look for when "visually"
> inspecting the motor mounts, aside from obvious cracking? Does anyone
> (Bill? ;-) ) have any links to pictures of good and bad motor mounts
> so I have a good reference point?
>
> Thanks. I appreciate the help. I'm also extremely pleased that no one
> is suggesting my tranny is going out or anything! =) I didn't think it
> was that, but it is still a worry in the back of my mind...
>
> /Bob
>
> "Nick N" <nnote@despammed.com> wrote in message
news:<PmwUb.21838$tP1.21094@fed1read07>...
> > Most likely your engine or tranny mounts. There's 2 under your hood and
1
> > mounting your tranny to the skid plate under your jeep. For the engine
> > ones, visually inspect them and for the tranny, see if you can move it
up
> > off the skid with a pry bar. If it moves your mount is probably bad.
If
> > you do have 1 bad one, replace all three. I'd bet your shifter gives a
good
> > shake when you start from a stop also.
> > Nick
> >
> > "Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
> > news:47b769ae.0402051047.b0abe06@posting.google.co m...
> > > I have been noticing a disturbing trend in my driveline lately. It's
> > > gotten to a point of good consistency, now, so I'd like help in trying
> > > to diagnose the problem. If any of you can give me some pointers on
> > > what parts to check (and possibly how to check them), in order of
> > > likeliness, I would appreciate it greatly!
> > >
> > > My Jeep: 1997 TJ I6 4.0L, 4" lift, 33" tires, D30 front, D44 rear
> > > (w/limited slip), AA SYE kit (installed myself), brand new CV front
> > > and rear driveshafts (front installed < 6 months ago, rear installed
> > > w/SYE kit in October-ish). Still original AX15 and NP231.
> > >
> > > The Problem: Whenever I first start from a stop, and often when apply
> > > the gas after a shift (especially in 1st through 3rd gears), I am
> > > getting a small but noticeable "thunk". I can't so much hear it, but I
> > > can feel it both through my seat and through my pedal (I can feel it
> > > when riding as a passenger in my jeep as well). This thunk also occurs
> > > when I let off the gas pedal quickly while in gear, especially
> > > noticeable in lower (more torquey) gears. It has become a futile
> > > battle of me trying to match my engine RPMs EXACTLY when shifting, and
> > > pulling the clutch out VERY slowly, in order to try to get the thunk
> > > to not occur; I am successful probably 40% of the time when I try
> > > this. So, it seems something is loose in my drivetrain or in something
> > > that has tension under forward and rearward drive direction, and
> > > thunks when extra power is applied, or if a deceleration force due to
> > > engine braking occurs. BTW, all of this is happening in 2-high mode.
> > >
> > > What should I check? So far, I've put the t-case in neutral and tried
> > > moving both the front and rear driveshafts. The rear had negligible
> > > play (pretty close to none); the front had quite a bit more play (but
> > > I have ruled that out as the cause since it is not even engaged at the
> > > transfer case end when I get this problem). Could this be control arm
> > > related? I have brand new teraflex adjustable rear control arms on it
> > > (installed at the time of my SYE kit), which I've kept greased
> > > properly... I haven't tried prying on them yet to see if they are the
> > > issue.
> > >
> > > Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions!
> > >
> > > /Bob

Nick N

They could be cracked, torn, missing...also check the metal brakets that
hold them. I've had one of those split. The same on those, you could get
some play out of them if you use a prybar. If you don't see anything,
simply check to make sure they are bolted down tight.
Nick

"Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
news:47b769ae.0402061212.691200ad@posting.google.c om...
> Thanks for the suggestions. I will do that this weekend (tomorrow) and
> see what I can find out. What should I look for when "visually"
> inspecting the motor mounts, aside from obvious cracking? Does anyone
> (Bill? ;-) ) have any links to pictures of good and bad motor mounts
> so I have a good reference point?
>
> Thanks. I appreciate the help. I'm also extremely pleased that no one
> is suggesting my tranny is going out or anything! =) I didn't think it
> was that, but it is still a worry in the back of my mind...
>
> /Bob
>
> "Nick N" <nnote@despammed.com> wrote in message
news:<PmwUb.21838$tP1.21094@fed1read07>...
> > Most likely your engine or tranny mounts. There's 2 under your hood and
1
> > mounting your tranny to the skid plate under your jeep. For the engine
> > ones, visually inspect them and for the tranny, see if you can move it
up
> > off the skid with a pry bar. If it moves your mount is probably bad.
If
> > you do have 1 bad one, replace all three. I'd bet your shifter gives a
good
> > shake when you start from a stop also.
> > Nick
> >
> > "Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
> > news:47b769ae.0402051047.b0abe06@posting.google.co m...
> > > I have been noticing a disturbing trend in my driveline lately. It's
> > > gotten to a point of good consistency, now, so I'd like help in trying
> > > to diagnose the problem. If any of you can give me some pointers on
> > > what parts to check (and possibly how to check them), in order of
> > > likeliness, I would appreciate it greatly!
> > >
> > > My Jeep: 1997 TJ I6 4.0L, 4" lift, 33" tires, D30 front, D44 rear
> > > (w/limited slip), AA SYE kit (installed myself), brand new CV front
> > > and rear driveshafts (front installed < 6 months ago, rear installed
> > > w/SYE kit in October-ish). Still original AX15 and NP231.
> > >
> > > The Problem: Whenever I first start from a stop, and often when apply
> > > the gas after a shift (especially in 1st through 3rd gears), I am
> > > getting a small but noticeable "thunk". I can't so much hear it, but I
> > > can feel it both through my seat and through my pedal (I can feel it
> > > when riding as a passenger in my jeep as well). This thunk also occurs
> > > when I let off the gas pedal quickly while in gear, especially
> > > noticeable in lower (more torquey) gears. It has become a futile
> > > battle of me trying to match my engine RPMs EXACTLY when shifting, and
> > > pulling the clutch out VERY slowly, in order to try to get the thunk
> > > to not occur; I am successful probably 40% of the time when I try
> > > this. So, it seems something is loose in my drivetrain or in something
> > > that has tension under forward and rearward drive direction, and
> > > thunks when extra power is applied, or if a deceleration force due to
> > > engine braking occurs. BTW, all of this is happening in 2-high mode.
> > >
> > > What should I check? So far, I've put the t-case in neutral and tried
> > > moving both the front and rear driveshafts. The rear had negligible
> > > play (pretty close to none); the front had quite a bit more play (but
> > > I have ruled that out as the cause since it is not even engaged at the
> > > transfer case end when I get this problem). Could this be control arm
> > > related? I have brand new teraflex adjustable rear control arms on it
> > > (installed at the time of my SYE kit), which I've kept greased
> > > properly... I haven't tried prying on them yet to see if they are the
> > > issue.
> > >
> > > Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions!
> > >
> > > /Bob

Bob

Thanks for your suggestions, Nick and Crwlr!

I ended up deciding my motor mounts still looked ok, and my t-case
mount was still good and tight as well. Then, I decided to roll back
to the rear axle and check the control arms and any other suspension
components...voila! My trackbar bolt was hanging halfway out; its nut
had gotten loose and fallen off somewhere along the way, so my
trackbar had been banging around in its axle mount, and the bolt had
also been banging against the gas tank as it tried to back out (enough
to put a pretty good dent/scar in the gas tank skid plating).

So, I went out and got a new bolt (to replace that nast torx bolt) and
nut, put it in, torqued it down, and it's fixed. No more thunking; it
drives 10 times better now, with none of that annoying thunking when I
step on the gas.

/Bob


"Nick N" <nnote@despammed.com> wrote in message news:<tGXUb.22884$tP1.13399@fed1read07>...
> They could be cracked, torn, missing...also check the metal brakets that
> hold them. I've had one of those split. The same on those, you could get
> some play out of them if you use a prybar. If you don't see anything,
> simply check to make sure they are bolted down tight.
> Nick
>
> "Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
> news:47b769ae.0402061212.691200ad@posting.google.c om...
> > Thanks for the suggestions. I will do that this weekend (tomorrow) and
> > see what I can find out. What should I look for when "visually"
> > inspecting the motor mounts, aside from obvious cracking? Does anyone
> > (Bill? ;-) ) have any links to pictures of good and bad motor mounts
> > so I have a good reference point?
> >
> > Thanks. I appreciate the help. I'm also extremely pleased that no one
> > is suggesting my tranny is going out or anything! =) I didn't think it
> > was that, but it is still a worry in the back of my mind...
> >
> > /Bob
> >
> > "Nick N" <nnote@despammed.com> wrote in message
> news:<PmwUb.21838$tP1.21094@fed1read07>...
> > > Most likely your engine or tranny mounts. There's 2 under your hood and
> 1
> > > mounting your tranny to the skid plate under your jeep. For the engine
> > > ones, visually inspect them and for the tranny, see if you can move it
> up
> > > off the skid with a pry bar. If it moves your mount is probably bad.
> If
> > > you do have 1 bad one, replace all three. I'd bet your shifter gives a
> good
> > > shake when you start from a stop also.
> > > Nick
> > >
> > > "Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
> > > news:47b769ae.0402051047.b0abe06@posting.google.co m...
> > > > I have been noticing a disturbing trend in my driveline lately. It's
> > > > gotten to a point of good consistency, now, so I'd like help in trying
> > > > to diagnose the problem. If any of you can give me some pointers on
> > > > what parts to check (and possibly how to check them), in order of
> > > > likeliness, I would appreciate it greatly!
> > > >
> > > > My Jeep: 1997 TJ I6 4.0L, 4" lift, 33" tires, D30 front, D44 rear
> > > > (w/limited slip), AA SYE kit (installed myself), brand new CV front
> > > > and rear driveshafts (front installed < 6 months ago, rear installed
> > > > w/SYE kit in October-ish). Still original AX15 and NP231.
> > > >
> > > > The Problem: Whenever I first start from a stop, and often when apply
> > > > the gas after a shift (especially in 1st through 3rd gears), I am
> > > > getting a small but noticeable "thunk". I can't so much hear it, but I
> > > > can feel it both through my seat and through my pedal (I can feel it
> > > > when riding as a passenger in my jeep as well). This thunk also occurs
> > > > when I let off the gas pedal quickly while in gear, especially
> > > > noticeable in lower (more torquey) gears. It has become a futile
> > > > battle of me trying to match my engine RPMs EXACTLY when shifting, and
> > > > pulling the clutch out VERY slowly, in order to try to get the thunk
> > > > to not occur; I am successful probably 40% of the time when I try
> > > > this. So, it seems something is loose in my drivetrain or in something
> > > > that has tension under forward and rearward drive direction, and
> > > > thunks when extra power is applied, or if a deceleration force due to
> > > > engine braking occurs. BTW, all of this is happening in 2-high mode.
> > > >
> > > > What should I check? So far, I've put the t-case in neutral and tried
> > > > moving both the front and rear driveshafts. The rear had negligible
> > > > play (pretty close to none); the front had quite a bit more play (but
> > > > I have ruled that out as the cause since it is not even engaged at the
> > > > transfer case end when I get this problem). Could this be control arm
> > > > related? I have brand new teraflex adjustable rear control arms on it
> > > > (installed at the time of my SYE kit), which I've kept greased
> > > > properly... I haven't tried prying on them yet to see if they are the
> > > > issue.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions!
> > > >
> > > > /Bob

Bob

Thanks for your suggestions, Nick and Crwlr!

I ended up deciding my motor mounts still looked ok, and my t-case
mount was still good and tight as well. Then, I decided to roll back
to the rear axle and check the control arms and any other suspension
components...voila! My trackbar bolt was hanging halfway out; its nut
had gotten loose and fallen off somewhere along the way, so my
trackbar had been banging around in its axle mount, and the bolt had
also been banging against the gas tank as it tried to back out (enough
to put a pretty good dent/scar in the gas tank skid plating).

So, I went out and got a new bolt (to replace that nast torx bolt) and
nut, put it in, torqued it down, and it's fixed. No more thunking; it
drives 10 times better now, with none of that annoying thunking when I
step on the gas.

/Bob


"Nick N" <nnote@despammed.com> wrote in message news:<tGXUb.22884$tP1.13399@fed1read07>...
> They could be cracked, torn, missing...also check the metal brakets that
> hold them. I've had one of those split. The same on those, you could get
> some play out of them if you use a prybar. If you don't see anything,
> simply check to make sure they are bolted down tight.
> Nick
>
> "Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
> news:47b769ae.0402061212.691200ad@posting.google.c om...
> > Thanks for the suggestions. I will do that this weekend (tomorrow) and
> > see what I can find out. What should I look for when "visually"
> > inspecting the motor mounts, aside from obvious cracking? Does anyone
> > (Bill? ;-) ) have any links to pictures of good and bad motor mounts
> > so I have a good reference point?
> >
> > Thanks. I appreciate the help. I'm also extremely pleased that no one
> > is suggesting my tranny is going out or anything! =) I didn't think it
> > was that, but it is still a worry in the back of my mind...
> >
> > /Bob
> >
> > "Nick N" <nnote@despammed.com> wrote in message
> news:<PmwUb.21838$tP1.21094@fed1read07>...
> > > Most likely your engine or tranny mounts. There's 2 under your hood and
> 1
> > > mounting your tranny to the skid plate under your jeep. For the engine
> > > ones, visually inspect them and for the tranny, see if you can move it
> up
> > > off the skid with a pry bar. If it moves your mount is probably bad.
> If
> > > you do have 1 bad one, replace all three. I'd bet your shifter gives a
> good
> > > shake when you start from a stop also.
> > > Nick
> > >
> > > "Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
> > > news:47b769ae.0402051047.b0abe06@posting.google.co m...
> > > > I have been noticing a disturbing trend in my driveline lately. It's
> > > > gotten to a point of good consistency, now, so I'd like help in trying
> > > > to diagnose the problem. If any of you can give me some pointers on
> > > > what parts to check (and possibly how to check them), in order of
> > > > likeliness, I would appreciate it greatly!
> > > >
> > > > My Jeep: 1997 TJ I6 4.0L, 4" lift, 33" tires, D30 front, D44 rear
> > > > (w/limited slip), AA SYE kit (installed myself), brand new CV front
> > > > and rear driveshafts (front installed < 6 months ago, rear installed
> > > > w/SYE kit in October-ish). Still original AX15 and NP231.
> > > >
> > > > The Problem: Whenever I first start from a stop, and often when apply
> > > > the gas after a shift (especially in 1st through 3rd gears), I am
> > > > getting a small but noticeable "thunk". I can't so much hear it, but I
> > > > can feel it both through my seat and through my pedal (I can feel it
> > > > when riding as a passenger in my jeep as well). This thunk also occurs
> > > > when I let off the gas pedal quickly while in gear, especially
> > > > noticeable in lower (more torquey) gears. It has become a futile
> > > > battle of me trying to match my engine RPMs EXACTLY when shifting, and
> > > > pulling the clutch out VERY slowly, in order to try to get the thunk
> > > > to not occur; I am successful probably 40% of the time when I try
> > > > this. So, it seems something is loose in my drivetrain or in something
> > > > that has tension under forward and rearward drive direction, and
> > > > thunks when extra power is applied, or if a deceleration force due to
> > > > engine braking occurs. BTW, all of this is happening in 2-high mode.
> > > >
> > > > What should I check? So far, I've put the t-case in neutral and tried
> > > > moving both the front and rear driveshafts. The rear had negligible
> > > > play (pretty close to none); the front had quite a bit more play (but
> > > > I have ruled that out as the cause since it is not even engaged at the
> > > > transfer case end when I get this problem). Could this be control arm
> > > > related? I have brand new teraflex adjustable rear control arms on it
> > > > (installed at the time of my SYE kit), which I've kept greased
> > > > properly... I haven't tried prying on them yet to see if they are the
> > > > issue.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions!
> > > >
> > > > /Bob

Bob

Thanks for your suggestions, Nick and Crwlr!

I ended up deciding my motor mounts still looked ok, and my t-case
mount was still good and tight as well. Then, I decided to roll back
to the rear axle and check the control arms and any other suspension
components...voila! My trackbar bolt was hanging halfway out; its nut
had gotten loose and fallen off somewhere along the way, so my
trackbar had been banging around in its axle mount, and the bolt had
also been banging against the gas tank as it tried to back out (enough
to put a pretty good dent/scar in the gas tank skid plating).

So, I went out and got a new bolt (to replace that nast torx bolt) and
nut, put it in, torqued it down, and it's fixed. No more thunking; it
drives 10 times better now, with none of that annoying thunking when I
step on the gas.

/Bob


"Nick N" <nnote@despammed.com> wrote in message news:<tGXUb.22884$tP1.13399@fed1read07>...
> They could be cracked, torn, missing...also check the metal brakets that
> hold them. I've had one of those split. The same on those, you could get
> some play out of them if you use a prybar. If you don't see anything,
> simply check to make sure they are bolted down tight.
> Nick
>
> "Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
> news:47b769ae.0402061212.691200ad@posting.google.c om...
> > Thanks for the suggestions. I will do that this weekend (tomorrow) and
> > see what I can find out. What should I look for when "visually"
> > inspecting the motor mounts, aside from obvious cracking? Does anyone
> > (Bill? ;-) ) have any links to pictures of good and bad motor mounts
> > so I have a good reference point?
> >
> > Thanks. I appreciate the help. I'm also extremely pleased that no one
> > is suggesting my tranny is going out or anything! =) I didn't think it
> > was that, but it is still a worry in the back of my mind...
> >
> > /Bob
> >
> > "Nick N" <nnote@despammed.com> wrote in message
> news:<PmwUb.21838$tP1.21094@fed1read07>...
> > > Most likely your engine or tranny mounts. There's 2 under your hood and
> 1
> > > mounting your tranny to the skid plate under your jeep. For the engine
> > > ones, visually inspect them and for the tranny, see if you can move it
> up
> > > off the skid with a pry bar. If it moves your mount is probably bad.
> If
> > > you do have 1 bad one, replace all three. I'd bet your shifter gives a
> good
> > > shake when you start from a stop also.
> > > Nick
> > >
> > > "Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
> > > news:47b769ae.0402051047.b0abe06@posting.google.co m...
> > > > I have been noticing a disturbing trend in my driveline lately. It's
> > > > gotten to a point of good consistency, now, so I'd like help in trying
> > > > to diagnose the problem. If any of you can give me some pointers on
> > > > what parts to check (and possibly how to check them), in order of
> > > > likeliness, I would appreciate it greatly!
> > > >
> > > > My Jeep: 1997 TJ I6 4.0L, 4" lift, 33" tires, D30 front, D44 rear
> > > > (w/limited slip), AA SYE kit (installed myself), brand new CV front
> > > > and rear driveshafts (front installed < 6 months ago, rear installed
> > > > w/SYE kit in October-ish). Still original AX15 and NP231.
> > > >
> > > > The Problem: Whenever I first start from a stop, and often when apply
> > > > the gas after a shift (especially in 1st through 3rd gears), I am
> > > > getting a small but noticeable "thunk". I can't so much hear it, but I
> > > > can feel it both through my seat and through my pedal (I can feel it
> > > > when riding as a passenger in my jeep as well). This thunk also occurs
> > > > when I let off the gas pedal quickly while in gear, especially
> > > > noticeable in lower (more torquey) gears. It has become a futile
> > > > battle of me trying to match my engine RPMs EXACTLY when shifting, and
> > > > pulling the clutch out VERY slowly, in order to try to get the thunk
> > > > to not occur; I am successful probably 40% of the time when I try
> > > > this. So, it seems something is loose in my drivetrain or in something
> > > > that has tension under forward and rearward drive direction, and
> > > > thunks when extra power is applied, or if a deceleration force due to
> > > > engine braking occurs. BTW, all of this is happening in 2-high mode.
> > > >
> > > > What should I check? So far, I've put the t-case in neutral and tried
> > > > moving both the front and rear driveshafts. The rear had negligible
> > > > play (pretty close to none); the front had quite a bit more play (but
> > > > I have ruled that out as the cause since it is not even engaged at the
> > > > transfer case end when I get this problem). Could this be control arm
> > > > related? I have brand new teraflex adjustable rear control arms on it
> > > > (installed at the time of my SYE kit), which I've kept greased
> > > > properly... I haven't tried prying on them yet to see if they are the
> > > > issue.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions!
> > > >
> > > > /Bob

Nick N

I've had that happen with both my front and rear trackbar. In fact I've
lost many a bolt here and there! You can take your rear trackbar off and
sell it for a 6 pack, with the front I suggest putting some strong lock
tight on the bolts, or atleast on the rear trackbar bolts also if you don't
decide to toss it. Sheeess... I've even been driving down the road, hit a
bump and heard ringing like a bell going off into the distance, I look and a
bolt of mine is cruising down the street beside me..
nick

"Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
news:47b769ae.0402110716.25cddf37@posting.google.c om...
> Thanks for your suggestions, Nick and Crwlr!
>
> I ended up deciding my motor mounts still looked ok, and my t-case
> mount was still good and tight as well. Then, I decided to roll back
> to the rear axle and check the control arms and any other suspension
> components...voila! My trackbar bolt was hanging halfway out; its nut
> had gotten loose and fallen off somewhere along the way, so my
> trackbar had been banging around in its axle mount, and the bolt had
> also been banging against the gas tank as it tried to back out (enough
> to put a pretty good dent/scar in the gas tank skid plating).
>
> So, I went out and got a new bolt (to replace that nast torx bolt) and
> nut, put it in, torqued it down, and it's fixed. No more thunking; it
> drives 10 times better now, with none of that annoying thunking when I
> step on the gas.
>
> /Bob
>
>
> "Nick N" <nnote@despammed.com> wrote in message
news:<tGXUb.22884$tP1.13399@fed1read07>...
> > They could be cracked, torn, missing...also check the metal brakets that
> > hold them. I've had one of those split. The same on those, you could
get
> > some play out of them if you use a prybar. If you don't see anything,
> > simply check to make sure they are bolted down tight.
> > Nick
> >
> > "Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
> > news:47b769ae.0402061212.691200ad@posting.google.c om...
> > > Thanks for the suggestions. I will do that this weekend (tomorrow) and
> > > see what I can find out. What should I look for when "visually"
> > > inspecting the motor mounts, aside from obvious cracking? Does anyone
> > > (Bill? ;-) ) have any links to pictures of good and bad motor mounts
> > > so I have a good reference point?
> > >
> > > Thanks. I appreciate the help. I'm also extremely pleased that no one
> > > is suggesting my tranny is going out or anything! =) I didn't think it
> > > was that, but it is still a worry in the back of my mind...
> > >
> > > /Bob
> > >
> > > "Nick N" <nnote@despammed.com> wrote in message
> > news:<PmwUb.21838$tP1.21094@fed1read07>...
> > > > Most likely your engine or tranny mounts. There's 2 under your hood
and
> > 1
> > > > mounting your tranny to the skid plate under your jeep. For the
engine
> > > > ones, visually inspect them and for the tranny, see if you can move
it
> > up
> > > > off the skid with a pry bar. If it moves your mount is probably
bad.
> > If
> > > > you do have 1 bad one, replace all three. I'd bet your shifter
gives a
> > good
> > > > shake when you start from a stop also.
> > > > Nick
> > > >
> > > > "Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
> > > > news:47b769ae.0402051047.b0abe06@posting.google.co m...
> > > > > I have been noticing a disturbing trend in my driveline lately.
It's
> > > > > gotten to a point of good consistency, now, so I'd like help in
trying
> > > > > to diagnose the problem. If any of you can give me some pointers
on
> > > > > what parts to check (and possibly how to check them), in order of
> > > > > likeliness, I would appreciate it greatly!
> > > > >
> > > > > My Jeep: 1997 TJ I6 4.0L, 4" lift, 33" tires, D30 front, D44 rear
> > > > > (w/limited slip), AA SYE kit (installed myself), brand new CV
front
> > > > > and rear driveshafts (front installed < 6 months ago, rear
installed
> > > > > w/SYE kit in October-ish). Still original AX15 and NP231.
> > > > >
> > > > > The Problem: Whenever I first start from a stop, and often when
apply
> > > > > the gas after a shift (especially in 1st through 3rd gears), I am
> > > > > getting a small but noticeable "thunk". I can't so much hear it,
but I
> > > > > can feel it both through my seat and through my pedal (I can feel
it
> > > > > when riding as a passenger in my jeep as well). This thunk also
occurs
> > > > > when I let off the gas pedal quickly while in gear, especially
> > > > > noticeable in lower (more torquey) gears. It has become a futile
> > > > > battle of me trying to match my engine RPMs EXACTLY when shifting,
and
> > > > > pulling the clutch out VERY slowly, in order to try to get the
thunk
> > > > > to not occur; I am successful probably 40% of the time when I try
> > > > > this. So, it seems something is loose in my drivetrain or in
something
> > > > > that has tension under forward and rearward drive direction, and
> > > > > thunks when extra power is applied, or if a deceleration force due
to
> > > > > engine braking occurs. BTW, all of this is happening in 2-high
mode.
> > > > >
> > > > > What should I check? So far, I've put the t-case in neutral and
tried
> > > > > moving both the front and rear driveshafts. The rear had
negligible
> > > > > play (pretty close to none); the front had quite a bit more play
(but
> > > > > I have ruled that out as the cause since it is not even engaged at
the
> > > > > transfer case end when I get this problem). Could this be control
arm
> > > > > related? I have brand new teraflex adjustable rear control arms on
it
> > > > > (installed at the time of my SYE kit), which I've kept greased
> > > > > properly... I haven't tried prying on them yet to see if they are
the
> > > > > issue.
> > > > >
> > > > > Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions!
> > > > >
> > > > > /Bob

Nick N

I've had that happen with both my front and rear trackbar. In fact I've
lost many a bolt here and there! You can take your rear trackbar off and
sell it for a 6 pack, with the front I suggest putting some strong lock
tight on the bolts, or atleast on the rear trackbar bolts also if you don't
decide to toss it. Sheeess... I've even been driving down the road, hit a
bump and heard ringing like a bell going off into the distance, I look and a
bolt of mine is cruising down the street beside me..
nick

"Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
news:47b769ae.0402110716.25cddf37@posting.google.c om...
> Thanks for your suggestions, Nick and Crwlr!
>
> I ended up deciding my motor mounts still looked ok, and my t-case
> mount was still good and tight as well. Then, I decided to roll back
> to the rear axle and check the control arms and any other suspension
> components...voila! My trackbar bolt was hanging halfway out; its nut
> had gotten loose and fallen off somewhere along the way, so my
> trackbar had been banging around in its axle mount, and the bolt had
> also been banging against the gas tank as it tried to back out (enough
> to put a pretty good dent/scar in the gas tank skid plating).
>
> So, I went out and got a new bolt (to replace that nast torx bolt) and
> nut, put it in, torqued it down, and it's fixed. No more thunking; it
> drives 10 times better now, with none of that annoying thunking when I
> step on the gas.
>
> /Bob
>
>
> "Nick N" <nnote@despammed.com> wrote in message
news:<tGXUb.22884$tP1.13399@fed1read07>...
> > They could be cracked, torn, missing...also check the metal brakets that
> > hold them. I've had one of those split. The same on those, you could
get
> > some play out of them if you use a prybar. If you don't see anything,
> > simply check to make sure they are bolted down tight.
> > Nick
> >
> > "Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
> > news:47b769ae.0402061212.691200ad@posting.google.c om...
> > > Thanks for the suggestions. I will do that this weekend (tomorrow) and
> > > see what I can find out. What should I look for when "visually"
> > > inspecting the motor mounts, aside from obvious cracking? Does anyone
> > > (Bill? ;-) ) have any links to pictures of good and bad motor mounts
> > > so I have a good reference point?
> > >
> > > Thanks. I appreciate the help. I'm also extremely pleased that no one
> > > is suggesting my tranny is going out or anything! =) I didn't think it
> > > was that, but it is still a worry in the back of my mind...
> > >
> > > /Bob
> > >
> > > "Nick N" <nnote@despammed.com> wrote in message
> > news:<PmwUb.21838$tP1.21094@fed1read07>...
> > > > Most likely your engine or tranny mounts. There's 2 under your hood
and
> > 1
> > > > mounting your tranny to the skid plate under your jeep. For the
engine
> > > > ones, visually inspect them and for the tranny, see if you can move
it
> > up
> > > > off the skid with a pry bar. If it moves your mount is probably
bad.
> > If
> > > > you do have 1 bad one, replace all three. I'd bet your shifter
gives a
> > good
> > > > shake when you start from a stop also.
> > > > Nick
> > > >
> > > > "Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
> > > > news:47b769ae.0402051047.b0abe06@posting.google.co m...
> > > > > I have been noticing a disturbing trend in my driveline lately.
It's
> > > > > gotten to a point of good consistency, now, so I'd like help in
trying
> > > > > to diagnose the problem. If any of you can give me some pointers
on
> > > > > what parts to check (and possibly how to check them), in order of
> > > > > likeliness, I would appreciate it greatly!
> > > > >
> > > > > My Jeep: 1997 TJ I6 4.0L, 4" lift, 33" tires, D30 front, D44 rear
> > > > > (w/limited slip), AA SYE kit (installed myself), brand new CV
front
> > > > > and rear driveshafts (front installed < 6 months ago, rear
installed
> > > > > w/SYE kit in October-ish). Still original AX15 and NP231.
> > > > >
> > > > > The Problem: Whenever I first start from a stop, and often when
apply
> > > > > the gas after a shift (especially in 1st through 3rd gears), I am
> > > > > getting a small but noticeable "thunk". I can't so much hear it,
but I
> > > > > can feel it both through my seat and through my pedal (I can feel
it
> > > > > when riding as a passenger in my jeep as well). This thunk also
occurs
> > > > > when I let off the gas pedal quickly while in gear, especially
> > > > > noticeable in lower (more torquey) gears. It has become a futile
> > > > > battle of me trying to match my engine RPMs EXACTLY when shifting,
and
> > > > > pulling the clutch out VERY slowly, in order to try to get the
thunk
> > > > > to not occur; I am successful probably 40% of the time when I try
> > > > > this. So, it seems something is loose in my drivetrain or in
something
> > > > > that has tension under forward and rearward drive direction, and
> > > > > thunks when extra power is applied, or if a deceleration force due
to
> > > > > engine braking occurs. BTW, all of this is happening in 2-high
mode.
> > > > >
> > > > > What should I check? So far, I've put the t-case in neutral and
tried
> > > > > moving both the front and rear driveshafts. The rear had
negligible
> > > > > play (pretty close to none); the front had quite a bit more play
(but
> > > > > I have ruled that out as the cause since it is not even engaged at
the
> > > > > transfer case end when I get this problem). Could this be control
arm
> > > > > related? I have brand new teraflex adjustable rear control arms on
it
> > > > > (installed at the time of my SYE kit), which I've kept greased
> > > > > properly... I haven't tried prying on them yet to see if they are
the
> > > > > issue.
> > > > >
> > > > > Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions!
> > > > >
> > > > > /Bob

Nick N

I've had that happen with both my front and rear trackbar. In fact I've
lost many a bolt here and there! You can take your rear trackbar off and
sell it for a 6 pack, with the front I suggest putting some strong lock
tight on the bolts, or atleast on the rear trackbar bolts also if you don't
decide to toss it. Sheeess... I've even been driving down the road, hit a
bump and heard ringing like a bell going off into the distance, I look and a
bolt of mine is cruising down the street beside me..
nick

"Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
news:47b769ae.0402110716.25cddf37@posting.google.c om...
> Thanks for your suggestions, Nick and Crwlr!
>
> I ended up deciding my motor mounts still looked ok, and my t-case
> mount was still good and tight as well. Then, I decided to roll back
> to the rear axle and check the control arms and any other suspension
> components...voila! My trackbar bolt was hanging halfway out; its nut
> had gotten loose and fallen off somewhere along the way, so my
> trackbar had been banging around in its axle mount, and the bolt had
> also been banging against the gas tank as it tried to back out (enough
> to put a pretty good dent/scar in the gas tank skid plating).
>
> So, I went out and got a new bolt (to replace that nast torx bolt) and
> nut, put it in, torqued it down, and it's fixed. No more thunking; it
> drives 10 times better now, with none of that annoying thunking when I
> step on the gas.
>
> /Bob
>
>
> "Nick N" <nnote@despammed.com> wrote in message
news:<tGXUb.22884$tP1.13399@fed1read07>...
> > They could be cracked, torn, missing...also check the metal brakets that
> > hold them. I've had one of those split. The same on those, you could
get
> > some play out of them if you use a prybar. If you don't see anything,
> > simply check to make sure they are bolted down tight.
> > Nick
> >
> > "Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
> > news:47b769ae.0402061212.691200ad@posting.google.c om...
> > > Thanks for the suggestions. I will do that this weekend (tomorrow) and
> > > see what I can find out. What should I look for when "visually"
> > > inspecting the motor mounts, aside from obvious cracking? Does anyone
> > > (Bill? ;-) ) have any links to pictures of good and bad motor mounts
> > > so I have a good reference point?
> > >
> > > Thanks. I appreciate the help. I'm also extremely pleased that no one
> > > is suggesting my tranny is going out or anything! =) I didn't think it
> > > was that, but it is still a worry in the back of my mind...
> > >
> > > /Bob
> > >
> > > "Nick N" <nnote@despammed.com> wrote in message
> > news:<PmwUb.21838$tP1.21094@fed1read07>...
> > > > Most likely your engine or tranny mounts. There's 2 under your hood
and
> > 1
> > > > mounting your tranny to the skid plate under your jeep. For the
engine
> > > > ones, visually inspect them and for the tranny, see if you can move
it
> > up
> > > > off the skid with a pry bar. If it moves your mount is probably
bad.
> > If
> > > > you do have 1 bad one, replace all three. I'd bet your shifter
gives a
> > good
> > > > shake when you start from a stop also.
> > > > Nick
> > > >
> > > > "Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
> > > > news:47b769ae.0402051047.b0abe06@posting.google.co m...
> > > > > I have been noticing a disturbing trend in my driveline lately.
It's
> > > > > gotten to a point of good consistency, now, so I'd like help in
trying
> > > > > to diagnose the problem. If any of you can give me some pointers
on
> > > > > what parts to check (and possibly how to check them), in order of
> > > > > likeliness, I would appreciate it greatly!
> > > > >
> > > > > My Jeep: 1997 TJ I6 4.0L, 4" lift, 33" tires, D30 front, D44 rear
> > > > > (w/limited slip), AA SYE kit (installed myself), brand new CV
front
> > > > > and rear driveshafts (front installed < 6 months ago, rear
installed
> > > > > w/SYE kit in October-ish). Still original AX15 and NP231.
> > > > >
> > > > > The Problem: Whenever I first start from a stop, and often when
apply
> > > > > the gas after a shift (especially in 1st through 3rd gears), I am
> > > > > getting a small but noticeable "thunk". I can't so much hear it,
but I
> > > > > can feel it both through my seat and through my pedal (I can feel
it
> > > > > when riding as a passenger in my jeep as well). This thunk also
occurs
> > > > > when I let off the gas pedal quickly while in gear, especially
> > > > > noticeable in lower (more torquey) gears. It has become a futile
> > > > > battle of me trying to match my engine RPMs EXACTLY when shifting,
and
> > > > > pulling the clutch out VERY slowly, in order to try to get the
thunk
> > > > > to not occur; I am successful probably 40% of the time when I try
> > > > > this. So, it seems something is loose in my drivetrain or in
something
> > > > > that has tension under forward and rearward drive direction, and
> > > > > thunks when extra power is applied, or if a deceleration force due
to
> > > > > engine braking occurs. BTW, all of this is happening in 2-high
mode.
> > > > >
> > > > > What should I check? So far, I've put the t-case in neutral and
tried
> > > > > moving both the front and rear driveshafts. The rear had
negligible
> > > > > play (pretty close to none); the front had quite a bit more play
(but
> > > > > I have ruled that out as the cause since it is not even engaged at
the
> > > > > transfer case end when I get this problem). Could this be control
arm
> > > > > related? I have brand new teraflex adjustable rear control arms on
it
> > > > > (installed at the time of my SYE kit), which I've kept greased
> > > > > properly... I haven't tried prying on them yet to see if they are
the
> > > > > issue.
> > > > >
> > > > > Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions!
> > > > >
> > > > > /Bob

Bob

Oh yes. While I was down there, I went ahead and replaced the TORX
bolt with a regular hex-head bolt, and got one that was a slight bit
longer, adding a lockwasher to the mix. On top of that, I used liberal
amounts of red threadlocker to keep that nut in place. If it falls off
again, I'll be rather surprised (and annoyed ;-) )


"Nick N" <nnote@despammed.com> wrote in message news:<mBsWb.30301$tP1.7260@fed1read07>...
> I've had that happen with both my front and rear trackbar. In fact I've
> lost many a bolt here and there! You can take your rear trackbar off and
> sell it for a 6 pack, with the front I suggest putting some strong lock
> tight on the bolts, or atleast on the rear trackbar bolts also if you don't
> decide to toss it. Sheeess... I've even been driving down the road, hit a
> bump and heard ringing like a bell going off into the distance, I look and a
> bolt of mine is cruising down the street beside me..
> nick
>
> "Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
> news:47b769ae.0402110716.25cddf37@posting.google.c om...
> > Thanks for your suggestions, Nick and Crwlr!
> >
> > I ended up deciding my motor mounts still looked ok, and my t-case
> > mount was still good and tight as well. Then, I decided to roll back
> > to the rear axle and check the control arms and any other suspension
> > components...voila! My trackbar bolt was hanging halfway out; its nut
> > had gotten loose and fallen off somewhere along the way, so my
> > trackbar had been banging around in its axle mount, and the bolt had
> > also been banging against the gas tank as it tried to back out (enough
> > to put a pretty good dent/scar in the gas tank skid plating).
> >
> > So, I went out and got a new bolt (to replace that nast torx bolt) and
> > nut, put it in, torqued it down, and it's fixed. No more thunking; it
> > drives 10 times better now, with none of that annoying thunking when I
> > step on the gas.
> >
> > /Bob
> >
> >
> > "Nick N" <nnote@despammed.com> wrote in message
> news:<tGXUb.22884$tP1.13399@fed1read07>...
> > > They could be cracked, torn, missing...also check the metal brakets that
> > > hold them. I've had one of those split. The same on those, you could
> get
> > > some play out of them if you use a prybar. If you don't see anything,
> > > simply check to make sure they are bolted down tight.
> > > Nick
> > >
> > > "Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
> > > news:47b769ae.0402061212.691200ad@posting.google.c om...
> > > > Thanks for the suggestions. I will do that this weekend (tomorrow) and
> > > > see what I can find out. What should I look for when "visually"
> > > > inspecting the motor mounts, aside from obvious cracking? Does anyone
> > > > (Bill? ;-) ) have any links to pictures of good and bad motor mounts
> > > > so I have a good reference point?
> > > >
> > > > Thanks. I appreciate the help. I'm also extremely pleased that no one
> > > > is suggesting my tranny is going out or anything! =) I didn't think it
> > > > was that, but it is still a worry in the back of my mind...
> > > >
> > > > /Bob
> > > >
> > > > "Nick N" <nnote@despammed.com> wrote in message
> news:<PmwUb.21838$tP1.21094@fed1read07>...
> > > > > Most likely your engine or tranny mounts. There's 2 under your hood
> and
> 1
> > > > > mounting your tranny to the skid plate under your jeep. For the
> engine
> > > > > ones, visually inspect them and for the tranny, see if you can move
> it
> up
> > > > > off the skid with a pry bar. If it moves your mount is probably
> bad.
> If
> > > > > you do have 1 bad one, replace all three. I'd bet your shifter
> gives a
> good
> > > > > shake when you start from a stop also.
> > > > > Nick
> > > > >
> > > > > "Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
> > > > > news:47b769ae.0402051047.b0abe06@posting.google.co m...
> > > > > > I have been noticing a disturbing trend in my driveline lately.
> It's
> > > > > > gotten to a point of good consistency, now, so I'd like help in
> trying
> > > > > > to diagnose the problem. If any of you can give me some pointers
> on
> > > > > > what parts to check (and possibly how to check them), in order of
> > > > > > likeliness, I would appreciate it greatly!
> > > > > >
> > > > > > My Jeep: 1997 TJ I6 4.0L, 4" lift, 33" tires, D30 front, D44 rear
> > > > > > (w/limited slip), AA SYE kit (installed myself), brand new CV
> front
> > > > > > and rear driveshafts (front installed < 6 months ago, rear
> installed
> > > > > > w/SYE kit in October-ish). Still original AX15 and NP231.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The Problem: Whenever I first start from a stop, and often when
> apply
> > > > > > the gas after a shift (especially in 1st through 3rd gears), I am
> > > > > > getting a small but noticeable "thunk". I can't so much hear it,
> but I
> > > > > > can feel it both through my seat and through my pedal (I can feel
> it
> > > > > > when riding as a passenger in my jeep as well). This thunk also
> occurs
> > > > > > when I let off the gas pedal quickly while in gear, especially
> > > > > > noticeable in lower (more torquey) gears. It has become a futile
> > > > > > battle of me trying to match my engine RPMs EXACTLY when shifting,
> and
> > > > > > pulling the clutch out VERY slowly, in order to try to get the
> thunk
> > > > > > to not occur; I am successful probably 40% of the time when I try
> > > > > > this. So, it seems something is loose in my drivetrain or in
> something
> > > > > > that has tension under forward and rearward drive direction, and
> > > > > > thunks when extra power is applied, or if a deceleration force due
> to
> > > > > > engine braking occurs. BTW, all of this is happening in 2-high
> mode.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > What should I check? So far, I've put the t-case in neutral and
> tried
> > > > > > moving both the front and rear driveshafts. The rear had
> negligible
> > > > > > play (pretty close to none); the front had quite a bit more play
> (but
> > > > > > I have ruled that out as the cause since it is not even engaged at
> the
> > > > > > transfer case end when I get this problem). Could this be control
> arm
> > > > > > related? I have brand new teraflex adjustable rear control arms on
> it
> > > > > > (installed at the time of my SYE kit), which I've kept greased
> > > > > > properly... I haven't tried prying on them yet to see if they are
> the
> > > > > > issue.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions!
> > > > > >
> > > > > > /Bob