Hi everyone, I just got a 2004 4x4 sport with 72k miles. So far I love it but I was wondering how much drivetrain slack is normal? I feel a "clunk" when stopping and starting. Also I don't know the history of this vehicle so what maintenance should be performed at my mileage? Thanks for the help guys!

The thump is most likely the driveshaft slip yoke binding a bit on stop and start. That is quite common and not to worry about, greasing the splines (but not the shaft end!) can reduce or eliminate the thump. Lots of other things can cause a thump too, motor mounts, exhaust pipe, shock mounts. etc. etc. Check out your front lower ball joints, the Libertys have recalls on them in certain model years they are all weak units. This forum has plenty of info about that.

You should change every fluid in your Liberty if it hasn't been done recently.

Which 4wd do you have? Auto tranny?

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Early '02 Limited, Steel Blue, White Guts

What do I look for to tell which 4wd I have? And yes its an auto. I am planning on checking motor mounts this afternoon as for the ball joints they seem to be in good shape. Is it relatively easy to grease the splines?

My 2004 has always made a loud THUMP. Its ever worse with the powertrax, which Im thinking about taking out in the next year or so.

If the 4x4 lever has full time written on it, then you have the select trac 4wd system. If not then you have command trac, full time being the better one.

Be sure to change all oils at that mileage, and man thats alot for that year! I have a 2004 with 20k on it.

Watch those balljoints! They will go bad.

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LOST KJ'S
Where are you going???
Current Jeep: 2004 Jeep Liberty
-Atlantic Blue
-Air Ride Rear Suspension ; OME/Rustys Lift ; Powertrax Locker ; Moog Lower Ball-Joints ; 245/70/16 Yokohama Geolander A/T-S's on MOABS ; Flowmaster 50 SUV
Lost #007082
http://www.cardomain.com/id/jeepjeepster

I will have to look at the handle. The mileage is high but for $8000 I am not complaining! I think it was someones commuter vehicle cause the only seat that looks to have been used is the drivers. floor boards and mats still look new in the passenger areas not to mention there isn't a spot of dirt or mud on the undercarriage. I will have to see what I can do about that!

WOW that is a steal I think...

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Had 2005 KJ Rocky Mnt. Edition (destroyed)
Had 2006 KJ Sport 4x4
Have 2007 JK 4-dr Sahara 4x4 (tow package so stock 4.10s!!)
AEV 3.5" RS Lift; Schrockworks FR bumper and Warn 9.5ti winch; Cobra 75 CB; Rigid 50" LED light bar; Adventure Trailers (AT Overland) JK Kitchen setup in the cargo area.
Southern L.O.S.T. # 236487

Yea if that is a clean vehicle I think you got a great deal too!

To grease the yoke you need to remove the driveshaft. There is a boot over the slip yoke at the front of the driveshaft, you'll need to spread the boot clamp and reclamp it after reinstallation. Be sure to mark your driveshaft relative to the differential pinion, reinstalling it 180° to how it came out can cause vibration. It is best to remove all old grease before regreasing because some greases are incompatible. Don't grease the end of the shaft, just the splines. Greasing any shaft end can put a preload on the shaft and wear related parts. Oh put the vehicle in neutral and block the tires, it makes things easier.

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Early '02 Limited, Steel Blue, White Guts