newbie question re: clunking drivetrain?

[Dexter Shark]

I recently purchased a 78 wagoneer and have no knowledge of jeeps or anything automotive really, but I'm going to learn. When the vehicle stops, I can feel a
"clunking" right before it stops. Sometimes it feels like its in the front, sometimes it feels likes its coming from the rear. Does anybody know what I could be feeling? Can I fix it myself? Will it hurt my jeep if I keep driving it until I have enough $$$ to pay someone to fix it? Any input that anyone has will be greatly appreciated.

[River Beast]

Welcome to the Forum, first off...

let's try to isolate the problem area:

First, crawl under there to make sure your x-member mount is good and not worn out or ripped. Do this by pushing up on the QT (lots of force, maybe a jack, but not too much to ripp it if it's not already) and watching the rubber mount... if you see daylight , it's shot or more than about 1/4" of play... replace it.

U-Joints:

Jack one end of your rig to free tension from the driveline. Get under there and shake the drivehaft at the attaching points. Look for wobble (side-to-side play) in the u-joints. do this on both ends of each shaft lift the vehilce appropriatly.

Shaft/ QT unit:

Jack up the front of your rig. Remove you r front shaft. LOCK IN YOUR E-DRIVE PRIOR TO DRIVING. Take it for a drive and see if you get the same problem. Now put the shaft back on and do the same test by removeing the rear shaft. LOCK IN YOUR E-DRIVE PRIOR TO DRIVING. This will isolate the front or rear but need to check both axle/shafts separately to know if its poosibly the QT chain slipping.

Good luck.

------------------
Todd
78 Wagoneer, "River Beast"
360/TH400/QT
Dana 44's locked w/ 4.89's
39.50x15x15 Super Swamper TSL's
7" SOA in front-7" Rear Shackle Inversion Mods
4" Skyjacker Softride
3" Trailmaster Bodylift
My FSJ site: http://www.geocities.com/spazz4life (http://www.geocities.com/spazz4life)
My E-mail: monster_fsj@hotmail.com
"If you can't stop...SMILE as you go under!"

'93 3/4 ton 4x4 Suburban...a.k.a. "FSJ Hauler"

[Dexter Shark]

Thanks for the info. River Beast. How long can I drive with this problem before it does damage? I'm hoping that I can drive it at least until it warms up a little. I don't have anywhere to work on the vehicle, except outside.