clunking noise

Hi all new to the forums. Hope someone can help. My wife has an 86 cherokee laredo, with air 2.8lt V6. Here's the sech: When we put it into 4wd, everything seems to be working fine, (we can hear the hubs lock) but when we go to make a slow hard left turn the right front wheel makes a clunking sound. It sounds as if the front wheel is about to fall off. And there's a slight grinding sound as well (seems to be coming from the transfer case) Also a newbie to 4wd vehicles. And when back in 2wd the problem doesn't exsist. Anybody!!???

I also have one other question; I've read the forums for over heating and such, but still can't seem to figure it out. But it only over heats when runing at 65mph on the innerstate! And no fluide leaks!!! (found out on trip to Tenessee). Jeep is running on straight pipe. No Cat. Converter!! just muffler. It Seems to have more power but is very sluggish at acceleration.

Any suggestions???

We Love this Jeep!!

plaining on putting headers on it in near future. just to help it breath more.

Thanks in Advance.

I had a clunk in my 2wd 1991 XJ for some time now - especially if I turned left and had my foot on the brake - turns out it was a worn track arm which I just replaced - no more clunking! Might want to see if everything is tight up front as that track arm keeps the front axle from shifting left to right. As far as the transfer case noise..I would definately yank the cover to see what is rubbing in there - when was the last time you checked the fluid?

As far as the overheating at speeds - Id check your water pump out or even your thermostat - might be stuck halfway open. Also check to make sure nothing is obstructing your radiator - part of my cleaning regiment is to take a hose to the radiator and rinse off bugs and dirt that accumulates.

God what a dumb-arse I am! I totally overlooked the obvious! 4wd have u-joints up front! When they go bad - they make a clunking sound under load! Id replace them!

Thanks for such a fast reply. I'll make sure I get them replaced ASAP! Cause we really do Love this Jeep!!

I don't know why we didn't Buy a Jeep Sooner!!

Jeep is running on straight pipe. No Cat. Converter!! just muffler. It Seems to have more power but is very sluggish at acceleration.

Maybe because the exhaust system is void of the normal amount of backpressure?????

-Nick

Thats what I thought as well. So we took it to a high proformance shop had the exhaust system checked. They guys there said that the back pressure from the muffler was just right!

But guys at the shop did suggust an electric waterpump!

Is anyone running an electric waterpump?? And are they reliable??
Also, we now have a 2nd Jeep!! only problem with this one so far, is that the transfer case seems to be hitting the floor pan of the vehicle.
all of the stop bumpers seem to be tight and in place. Any suggestions??

Thanks in advance.