Transfer case chain, Transmission, Clutch I can't figure out the noise origin

[KIMEIRE]

'80 CJ5 Transfer Case chain, Transmission , Clutch I can't figure out the noise origin

5/10/17
Since I last posted... Replaced brakes, front and rear. Radiator.Water pump. Misc. fuel system stuff , pulled tank, replaced sending unit, new hoses and tubes for putting fuel in, filters, pulled and cleaned carb. Wiper arm assembly. Misc. hoses and wiring as needed. Took top of Transmission off to figure out shifting mystery. Didn't figure it out but it now works !?!? And the list goes on....
Now I have something that is preventing me from even driving it at all. I don't know if its the chain in the Transfer Case , the T-98 Transmission ,clutch or ??? Sounds like something loose inside of ?? but it's thinking about SCATTERING anytime, whatever the hell it is. I thought that I would be able to do all that would ever need to be done on my Jeep....but I have hit a wall. It's been parked since January. I just can't figure it out. I am beyond frustrated and borderline defeated. I LOVE MY JEEP! This will probably be my last attempt at trying to fix it. I have to admit that I just don't have the skills necessary to make it right. So here it goes... If anyone that reads this can help, I would appreciate it more than words could express. I have very little cash to work with, so taking it to a shop isn't even a consideration. ANY input/intel is golden. Thanks for taking the time to read . K

 

[PistolDave]

Which Transfer Case ? Most of the T-cases you would ordinarily find in a CJ are going to be gear driven instead of chain except for the QuadraTrac , which would be kinda strange paired up with a T-98 , but I suppose anything is possible. If the Transfer Case is stuck in neutral it might behave similar to what you are describing. If it is a Dana 300 or similar tcase, try rocking the vehicle forward and backward with the engine off while moving the tcase shift lever to see if it really is in gear. Some pictures might be real helpful here too.

 

[007]

I've read where there's a lot of folks who believe they have a T-98 due to a casting number, but really have a T-18 or T18a. The T-98 is a predecessor to the T-18 /a and both are great transmissions. It would be odd for a true T-98 in your 1980. Nonetheless, if you post pictures and do what the people on here have you do to troubleshoot - you will find out what the problem is - and maybe even fix it on the cheap.

I too would be curious about the Transfer Case . I assume you're "sure" it's not in neutral and/or just not completely engaged?

 

[PistolDave]

If the Jeep in question still has the factory drivetrain in it, its probably an SR4 or T-176 with a Dana 300 Tcase. Seems like I have seen a lot of 1980 CJ5 's with T-176 's in them, I have had 2 myself.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Your t'case is gear driven. Not a chain.
Are you SURE the t'case is NOT in NEUTRAL?
Can you post a sound 'bite' of this noise?
LG

 

[Hedgehog]

You need to narrow this down some. Try to answer ALL the following questions.

Does it make the noise (when the engines running):
-all the time
-with the clutch in or out
-when it's sitting, clutch out, in neutral
-when the Transfer Case is in neutral
-when the Transfer Case is in neutral and the Transmission is in gear

- is it a grinding sound
- is it a rattling sound
- is it a rumble
- can you feel it in the body or is it an audio type sound
- is the clutch pivot ball bearing in place

Gosh there are more but I'm fresh out right now.

 

[KIMEIRE]

FIRST OFF I WANT TO THANK ALL OF YOU FOR READING AND RESPONDING . EVEN THIS MUCH HAS RESTORED MY HOPE. THANK YOU!!!

The noise: It sounds like grinding gears. As if you were trying to shift into the wrong gear. Except it does it while IN gear. It happens in all the gears. If I push the clutch in or put it in neutral while driving down the road, it stops until the clutch is let out and it's put back into gear. Im going to attempt to upload a sound bit that I recorded on my cell.
I'm having a hellofa time trying to figure out how to get the sounds and pics to upload.
So here this part while I work on getting the sound and pics done.

 

[Torxhead]

I think Hedge's list really helped out. When you depress the clutch, and things quieting down after pushing the pedal in does give a possibility of the throw out bearing being the culprit. Does this work even when in neutral? A stethoscope might help you narrow down the location of that noise. You might want to check the clutch pedal free play here by checking the clutch pedal and looking for an inch to inch and a quarter free play.