I havent been driving my Jeep lately and after it sat for about a month (and a new battery-not related) I was driving it last week and started hearing this chirping while moving. After the vehicle stops the chirp stops. Start driving and the chirping starts again. The frequency of the chirp is related to the speed of the vehicle. Today as I returned from a quick errand as i slowed to stop about 5mph and stopped, then again starting to move until about 10mph it started catching and making a crunchy sound. Any thoughts? I havent investigated it yet but im thinking axle or CV? Had it in for inspection last week and had my mechanic check the suspension and ball joints and he said all was good. He had a head cold and couldnt hear the chirping.. Today it was definitely worse.

Any starting points would be appreciated.

My guess would be front wheel hub/bearings.

But it could be a lot of things:
Rear axle bearings
Front driveshaft joints
Rear driveshaft u-joints
Dragging brakes

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U.S. Army Retired

edit: when you say the frequency of the chirp increases with speed, do you mean frequency as in number of times per second, or frequency/pitch gets higher pitched the faster you go?

When driving, does the noise go away almost completely when you move the wheel left or right? If so, it is likely a WB.

Wheel bearing is usually tested by jacking up the vehicle on jack stands on level ground, wiggle each of the front wheels at 12/6 and 9/3 and you might feel movement. However, it is common in liberties to feel nothing even if your wheel bearing is on the way out. Another way is to look for grease seeping out of the back of the old wheel bearing - might be hard to get to but you'll at least need to remove the wheel to see. You might see bits of grease on the inside of your wheels. They are easy to replace, but make sure you get Timken, Moog or SKF. Don't buy a cheap one - it'll die within the year.

Doubt that it's an axle cv - they usually make a clicking sound. You might see a torn boot that throws grease around.

Rear DS u-joints could be bad with no other symptoms, but they would make a squeaking noise - they are cheap and easy to replace. You might be able to feel some heat in the joint after a drive.

With the catching and crunchy sound...I'm thinking it really could be the front driveshaft cv, the rear section. It would certainly make those noises and chain clinking noises, clunking also - I am far too familiar with the noise... You can take it out and drive in 2wd to see if it's the issue. ~12 bolts to take it out. You will need to lift all 4 corners to spin the driveshaft to remove all bolts (**correction: you can just lift the front end). The rear portion of the shaft (the CV) can be replaced yourself ~$65. You'll need snap ring pliers, allen keys, 8mm wrench and a small hammer (deadblow is best).

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one thing that has happened to me... check the brake pad wear indicator, if your brake pads are close to end of life and the rotor is slightly warped this can cause the exact noise your describing.