Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

Hi there,

I was preparing to buy a new (2011) JK but decided to go for a TJ instead. I just like the look of the TJ series better.

Anyway, today I was slowly driving along a two track trail that runs alongside the fence bordering pasture land. Nothing too rough, just regular undulations as would be expected.

Everytime the Jeep went over these undulations (slowly) I could hear and feel what seemed like snapping, or something binding and then letting go.

I suspect worn suspension components are the culprit, or worn u-joints.

What do you guys think?

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

Hi. Well,you gotta get under there and inspect.No 2 ways 'bout it.first check all your steering and suspension components-anything hanging? broken? Then look closer.for a noise like you described it could be anything.can you be more specific?like approx.where it's coming from,is it when the front goes over a bump it does it..or the rear.
Could be the suspension arms or coil springs,or shocks,or a piece of foreign material stuck in there......

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

Thanks beserkur.

The noise seems, for the most part, to be coming from the left side, under the driver.

I can also hear a slight clunk in the rear when shifting gears.

A fellow with an '06 TJ mentioned his Jeep requiring new rubber ( bands?) . Not sure if he was pulling my leg or not but he said that it quieted his TJ up and they probably would need to be replaced every couple of years. Perhaps he meant bushings or isolators?

I should mention that most of the noise isn't evident when just riding around on smooth paved roads, but starts to show up on rougher sections and when turning up into the driveway.

When I bought it in July I gave it a good inspection underneath but couldn't see anything obviously wrong other than a slight leak in the power steering. I went on a trip overseas for a month, so have put less than 80 miles on it so far.

The first thing I will do is try to remove the skid plate so I can get a look at the transfer case.

I'm no longer driving the Jeep until I can determine the problem and get it fixed.

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

Well exactly like it was said. You own a jeep now. Get to know components and how they work.
Even though a mechanical inspection was done, they probably went ~ yup it was one ~ check!
Start with the basics, check u-joints, tie rods, drive shafts, shocks, for looseness, for movement.
Then the next is have someone else drive it slowly past you, conducting the same movement you encountered. Then check for yourself.

Also make sure you support your rear shaft before you remove the skid plate as it's what supporting the driveline !!

Good luck and remember JEEP ~ Just Empty Every Pocket !!

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

Thanks for the tips, especially the skid plate one.

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

Did you find what's making the noise?

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

No, havn't had a chance to get at it yet. Not driving it til I can have a good look at it. In the meantime I'm going to order a shop manual... any recommendations for a good manual?

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

Have you looked into the Haynes manuals sold at most Cdn Tire Stores for around $15. very complete strip down of a complete motor etc.. I had one for the 89 xj and another for my 03 tj.. I find them number 1

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

Ya, I'm aware of the Haynes manuals, have used them in the past for other vehicles and they are good. Just wondering if someone knows of another one to consider.

Re: Need advice regarding my '98 TJ
 

Check front stabilizer links for seperation