Grinding Noise coming from the transfer case/trans area

[bluegoat06]

Wonder if anybody else have experienced this noise, it feels like a grinding noise that comes from the transfer case/trans area. the trans shifts are smooth, and selecting 4Hi or 4Lo doesn't appear to change the noise level. the trans makes no clunks or noises at all when going from N or P to D or R, but as soon i start moving forward or in reverse, i can hear something grinding like if there was 2 plates rubbing against each other with no lubrication. Also, if i touch the 4x4 shifter, the noise would increase and can be felt through the shifter itself.

what could it be ? i've replaced the transfer case and front diff fluid recently thinking it was related, but the noise is still there, and i believe is getting a tad louder now. Libby have 106k miles, and it's a 2001 or 2002 model, can't remember the year for the life of me

 

[HoosierJeeper]

It's an 02....I'll give ya that much.

 

[bluegoat06]

Found the problem today after a little inspection. the shifter cable, or at least the cable that runs very closely to the front DS came loose. put it back in the plastic bracket and problem solved. don't know if the 02's came with lots of problems ot not, but the only thing i've changed to this car has been engine oil, diff fluids / transfer case /trans fluid. i drive in the winter with 4hi all the time when there is ice or snow during the winter, even though it doesn't have the full time transfer case, been doing the same for 4 years in a row, plus a couple of mud rides out in jersey, and i have yet to find the first real issue with this vehicle. i thought this was it, but again, turned out to be something silly, so yeah, it's an 02 thing......