Why does a 1996 Jeep Cherokee transmission clunk when you pull away from a stop and when you stop?

Answer 1

If you hear a thump or a clunk from the center or rear of the driveline when coming to a stop or accelerating from a stop, it's likely you need to replace one or more u-joints in the driveshaft. You can check to see if the u-joints are bad by looking for any obvious damage or contamination; you can also attempt to wiggle them and see if there is any play. Even if they do "check out," they could still be defective. They are inexpensive to purchase and any auto parts store with a machine shop will remove the old ones and press the new ones in for a minimal charge--you just have to drop the drive line and bring it in (this is a relatively simple procedure; get a service manual or read on the internet). A 4X4 Cherokee has a minimum of four u-joints--two in the front and two in the back. I would try replacing the rear joints first. This is a great place to start--much cheaper than looking into your transmission, transfer case, or differentials. I have a '99 Cherokee that had a similar problem. After spending a lot of time rebuilding brake and suspension components, I finally turned to the driveline. U-joints solved my problem.