'96 XJ AW4 here and for a while I've had this clunking sound just when I come to a stop and right when taking off again. From the feeling and sound if it I'm guessing it's coming from somewhere in the drive line somewhat toward the rear. The sound doesn't repeat itself, it's just one solid clunk when stopping and again when starting. Asked around about it before but nobody had any solid ideas about it.

So couple days ago I see this write-up describing how to grease the slip joints of XJs 97 and up. And in it is a description of a sounds exactly like what I've got. So all happy I've prob found the culprit I re-read the write up again and see it's only for, yes 97s and up.

Lubing slip joints on XJs 97 and up

What's the deal with trying to do the same to my '96? Is my drive line that much different from the 97?

Drive lines generally have a zerk fitting for adding grease. There are some that are sealed and never need grease added.

There is another culprit which will cause that sound -- u-joints. Not all u-joints have a zerk fitting.

You need to crawl under and physically check for the presence of a zerk fitting on your drive shafts. If you have a fitting, add grease.

While you are at it, check your u-joints for zerk fittings.

Sometimes you can visually spot a bad u-joint due to rust and powder around the caps. However, grabbing the driveline and twisting is another way to check for play in u-joints.