Grinding/Groaning when turning at very low speeds (e.g. turning left or right from a stop sign)

[JeepOfTheseus]

Been having an issue for some time now which I attributed to the bigger tires and/or Adam's front driveshaft and/or removing the FAD and/or 1350 axles, but it seems to be getting worse and more concerning. And now today, I threw a C149D-00 "Clutch Calibration Not Learned" code when I shifted from 4H Auto (which I have left it in because I removed the FAD anyways) to 2H. That code cleared/didn't return after a restart.

But it got me thinking: along with the groaning, what is going on? I looked at where the front driveshaft meets the transfer case and it does seem like grease has been flinging around in there, possibly indicating a bad seal/bearing.

The odd thing is, this only seems to happen when I'm turning immediately from a stop, and it's definitely more pronounced if turning uphill at the same time. It doesn't seem to happen at speed or if I'm pulling into a parking spot. I'm wondering if this still indicates a bad/blown tcase.

Any tips on what to look for/try out? Maybe disconnect the front driveshaft temporarily?

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[Bandit’s Lair]

Have you checked your drag link and track bar ends? Boots all good to go? That’s what the slow speed turn groan sounds like to me.

 

[JeepOfTheseus]

Have you checked your drag link and track bar ends? Boots all good to go? That’s what the slow speed turn groan sounds like to me.

I checked...they all seemed fairly solid. They are also relatively new components (SteerSmarts and TeraFlex). The one thing I suspected were the axle shafts because, for whatever reason...the 1350s don't come with boots and they immediately rusted over.

However, the groaning is rotational and increases with speed. At 46k miles...I'm thinking the tcase needs a gear oil change?

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