klunk cj7

Might be a broken axle. My '83 CJ had the two piece axle (AMC 20 rear end) and when it broke it made a klunking sound
like you describe. I replaced mine with Mosser one piece axles.

The other reply was on the right track possibly. But, the axle probably isn't broken, the nut on the end is maybe loose or you have partially spun the 2 piece design, or both.

Brad (from the 4 Wheeling center of the universe, 4 corners USA)

Before you take everything apart,check if your u-bolts are tight.I had the klunk when I un-clutched to get the jeep moving and also when I down shifted hard.Hope this helps

Ben

sounds almost like the problem I had with my 86 cj , I installed the genuine gear one peice rear axles, and the problem was solved, unless you owned your jeep since new,I would suspect the previous owner/s might not have kept them torqued, even if this wouldn't solve your problem it is definitely a peice of mind modification.

Hitwoman, do yourself a favor before you do anything and get underneath and with the jeeps driveshaft grasp it and see if you have a lot of movement. I have an 82 and have been thru this twice already and I found that the "backlash on the ring and pinion wrong.You should have some play but not alot.