I've got a '98 TJ with a 4.0L and I can hear what sounds like a growling noise coming from the oil sump area:shaking: At first I thought that my cat. converter was coming apart insinde or was rattling on my skid plate, but upon inspection, it sounds like it's coming from the crankcase. Anyone ever had this issue? Thanks.

My 97 4.0L does it. It's more of a rattling noise. It's been doing that for about 5k miles. I'm thinking its rod bearings... however you would think bad rod bearings would go out a lot sooner than 5k miles worth of driving.

I guess I'll just run it 'till something happens. Thanks.

Check your cluch system Piolet and throwout bearings I have fixed a few with the same symptoms as you describe.

Check your cluch system Piolet and throwout bearings I have fixed a few with the same symptoms as you describe.

That was my first thought.

Thanks guys, but the noise doesn't change when the clutch is dis-engaged.