Some new noises. What to look for?

[Alltornup]

So I have some new noises coming from the front end.  More of a clunking or popping noise.   Just wondering how to single out the problem.  Weather its unit bearing, u-joint or maybe my driveshaft.  Mostly happends when I turn from a dead or rolling start.  165000 on the TJ.  All ball joints and steering box are only 4 months old. Track bar is tight.   I've only had the 33's on for maybe 2000 kms and 2 wheeling trips but im sure any weak parts are going to go south now.

Any advice is much appreciated.  It's almost warm enough to start investigating.

[TL-Iguana]

I had some strange popping noises when I first bought my XJ. One of the outboard U-Joints on the axle stub had lost a cup. It was just popping around in the yolk and the mechanic that safetied it, didnt even see it!

Might be worth a look, but other than that, Im not sure

[LEMON-AID JAY]

If you have the time you could swing by my shop I could take it for a drive and maybe help   point you in the right direction.

[Alltornup]

Maybe I will do that Jay.  My work is around the corner from your shop.  I usually have a work truck but I got T-boned at an intersection and have to drive the Jeep to work for a bit till they fix or write it off. 

[raf2379]

check your axle u-joints. its easy to do. in 2wd, try rotating your front drive shaft back and forth and look for play in your axle u-joints.

[BlackYJ]

So I have some new noises coming from the front end.  More of a clunking or popping noise.   Just wondering how to single out the problem. 

Turn your radio up louded and problem solved 

[Jeepless]

Turn your radio up louded and problem solved 

How "louded" is loud??

[halfcRoOk]

Haha! I have an Xj and have done the ball joints on the right side and I have a funny knocking or popping noise when I turn from dead too! I'm sure it's the left ball joints! haven't gotten the time to check it! I was at a light the other day and decided to wiggle my steering wheel left n right and it just knocked n knocked! pretty sure it's a ball joint, maybe the cup is moving around like Tliguana had issues with!

[TL-Iguana]

Haha! I have an Xj and have done the ball joints on the right side and I have a funny knocking or popping noise when I turn from dead too! I'm sure it's the left ball joints! haven't gotten the time to check it! I was at a light the other day and decided to wiggle my steering wheel left n right and it just knocked n knocked! pretty sure it's a ball joint, maybe the cup is moving around like Tliguana had issues with!

My issue was not the ball joints but the U-Joint at the end of the front axle. One of the cups had cracked in its lifetime, and spat out its needle bearings. The cup however was mostly intact so there was no damage to the yoke, but the end of the u-joint was just flopping around like a hotdog being tossed down a hallway.