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Clunking/Popping Noise

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Clunking/Popping Noise
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pgillespie20

Jeeper
Posts
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Location
Paragould, AR
Vehicle(s)
'74 CJ5, 304
My 1974 CJ5 has a loud clunking/popping noise. It's the loudest when I give it gas right after changing gears. It clunks in reverse and 1st/2nd. I haven't tried 3rd since it started clunking. My youtube video Clunking Noise Video. has 3 min of video from different locations. I've searched the forums, but there are several different issues that deal with clunking. Please point me in the right direction. I can get more pictures and/or video later tonight or tomorrow. thanks!
 
:ww::dbanana::banana:

Check your U-joints. ;)
When was the last time you did a full oil level ck on everydangthing?
LG
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the welcome and advice Lumpy Grits!
My Jeep has been and will continue to be my lesson in auto mechanics. I'll search how to replace the u joints.

For oil, I've changed the engine oil. When you say everything, do you mean the Transfer Case and Transmission ? What else should I check oil on?
 
Your video seems to be just the front drive shaft. Do you have these noises when driving around in 2wd with the hubs unlocked?
 
When I'm driving, it sounds like something is hitting the floorboard near the shifters.

My Transfer Case shifter is really loose. I can't tell if it's shifting between 2wd & 4wd. Here's a video of it: https://youtu.be/4JfnWtC1Jtk

I had 2 mechanics look at the tcase shifter, but they didn't know what to do to fix it. So I started looking into replacing the tcase shifter with this dual stick from Novak https://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/shifters/dana-20-twin-stix/ and also rebuilding the tcase.

The driver side hub seems to be working: https://youtu.be/Alr7a02tHug

The passenger side just spins: https://youtu.be/oojC7TO67b8 & with outer case removed: https://youtu.be/Um4GV5CHKXA

After Lumpy's message earlier, I researched replacing the u-joints. I'm going to get this ball joint/u-joint tool from HF. Ball Joint Service Kit for 2WD and 4WD Vehicles

Summit has several u-joints to choose from for a 1974 CJ5 (MOG-269, MOG-289, MOG-369). The 269 is non-greasable and the other 2 are greasable. Which model should I buy?

I'll take any advice you can give on this issue and anything else you see in the videos. I've put on a lot of new parts on the Jeep by following threads and videos online. But I don't know what all issues to fix unless it's loud and obvious like this popping noise.
 
Could also be your engine and/or tranny mounts.
When you replace the u-joints, use Dana/Spicer brand. They were also OEM.
Moog are good also. Get the grease-able.
When was the last time you greased the DS slip-splines?
You don't need a ball and joint puller to R&R u-joints...........
Just a good sized vise and sockets.
Need to see the linkage work'n on that t'case shifter. It does look sloppy.
You really need one of these-
https://collinsbrosjeep.com/1974-jeep-service-manual-body-chassis/

LG
 
Last edited:
I've never greased them. I'll add that to the list.
I'll record the engine and tranny mounts to see if it's those and record the tcase linkage.

Thanks for the tips on the tools, joint brand and the link. I've been using a Chilton, but mostly Google searching.
 
Watching the first video, I notice that every time there is a clunk, the front axle jumps and twists. Very noticeable around 0:43 on the video. You have no idea how long the gear oil has been in there, so you need to change it anyway. Pull the differential cover and check for broken or missing ring and pinion teeth. I had a Dana 30 that did the same thing, and when I pulled the cover, several teeth fell out on the floor.
To me, it looks like there is a lot of wobble in the driveshafts. Check the U joints, and play in the slip yokes.
 
First thing. Check the hub that spins free and see if the gear inside is moving in and out. If it's not, you need a new hub. The hub in your link appears to be the correct one for a 74 CJ5 Dana 30 .

Although I love Summit, and have purchased more parts than I care to admit, ($$$$$)
J just
E empty
E every
P pocket,
You can find that hub for a lot less money.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Warn-Premi..._nkw=warn+9062&_from=R40&rt=nc&LH_TitleDesc=0


Look around. I have found Warn 9062 hubs for $100 for a set of 2. Just make sure that the spline count is the same as your axle.
 
Actually, upon a closer look at your hubs, I don't think that the Warn 9062 will fit your hub housing. If you look at it, there are no screw holes on the face of the housing for that kind of lockout to attach to. You will have to also purchase the housing with the tapped holes for the lockout hub, or locate the same kind of hub that is currently on the axle. If I remember correctly, the one you show held in with a snap ring.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Jeep-Cj-dana-30-six-bolt-locking-hubs-Cj5-Cj7-AMC-27-spline-FREE-SHIP-lock-out/401568798725?hash=item5d7f5d9805%3Ag%3AHm0AAOSwSbxbTdRT%3Asc%3AShippingMethodStandard%2153119%21US%21-1&_sacat=0&_nkw=jeep+d30+lockout+hubs&_from=R40&rt=nc&LH_TitleDesc=0


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Scout-II-J...lockout+hubs&_from=R40&rt=nc&LH_TitleDesc=0|0
 
Last edited:
Thanks! I'll look into that. The hub on the driver side had a screw on the outside part. I thought the passenger might be the wrong one since it just spins.
 
mtnwhlr said:
Your video seems to be just the front drive shaft. Do you have these noises when driving around in 2wd with the hubs unlocked?
Click to expand...
I was able to get it into 2wd and the noises stopped! So does that mean the noise was for sure coming from the front driveshaft axle u-joints?

Lumpy Grits said:
Need to see the linkage work'n on that t'case shifter. It does look sloppy.
LG
Click to expand...
Here's the linkage while shifting on my t'case. https://youtu.be/1q0DHhTyy-Y Is there a way to fix the shifter being so loose, or do I need to replace the whole thing?

mriplaybass said:
Watching the first video, I notice that every time there is a clunk, the front axle jumps and twists. Very noticeable around 0:43 on the video. You have no idea how long the gear oil has been in there, so you need to change it anyway. Pull the differential cover and check for broken or missing ring and pinion teeth. I had a Dana 30 that did the same thing, and when I pulled the cover, several teeth fell out on the floor.
To me, it looks like there is a lot of wobble in the driveshafts. Check the U joints, and play in the slip yokes.
Click to expand...
Here's a video of my front end with the cover off. https://youtu.be/mxE4g1pfEic The oil was pretty nasty and there were a lot of small metal shavings/pieces in there. Does it look like anything needs to be replaced/rebuilt?
 
pgillespie20 said:
I was able to get it into 2wd and the noises stopped! So does that mean the noise was for sure coming from the front driveshaft axle u-joints?
Click to expand...

That or the front end. You are changing the oil in the front end but I think it's in the drive shaft I think you should pull it and check both u-joints and wear in the slip joint. If unsure find a driveshaft shop and have them check it out.
 
Linkage looks good with that video.
Agree about the front-end being the noise source.
Check for U-joint pay(ANY play is to much)and slip spline slop.
Ck the axle u-joints, ASAP.
LG
 
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