yet another front axle question

[extra-medium]

I believe I have a Dana 30 in the front of my 97 Grand Cherokee but I'm not positive. When I got it there was clicking/grinding in the front end when 4wd is engaged, but not in 2wd. now I hear a quieter version of the clicking/grinding when I am driving no matter what. I have read a lot to replace the u joints, but I'm not too familiar with the axles in my jeep and don't really have the time to tinker with it. Any input or suggestions. I know I need to go lay under it and check it out sometime, but any insight until I can do that would be appreciated.

 

[extra-medium]

Also, how can I find out how many spline my axles are? Would it be a safe bet to say they are 27, or is there a way to tell for sure.

 

[xjmarc]

You have a D30 front and they are 27 spline. You may have cv axles instead of u-joints, Grands came with both but most have cvs. Sounds more like a bearing issue to me but could be a drive shaft u-joint or then again those also came with a cv in some Grands.

 

[extra-medium]

thanks for the input. i heard from a mechanic that the u joints in the front axle are a pita to change and it would be worth it to just change the whole thing. summit's website has both cv axles for 60 bucks each, so im wondering if it would be worth it to switch them. i don't know how the auto hubs work either and it crossed my mind that those might need to be replaced or have some attention.

 

[xjmarc]

You don't have hubs you have a unit bearing. Pretty easy to check if they are OK. Jack up the tire and check for movement, could also be ball joints. If you have u-joints you can grab them and feel for play if it's CVs and the boots are good, good chance they are as well.