until the revs get way up. Mind you, this isnt about me letting out the clutch smoothly, its about it needing 1200-1500 (or more) rpm revs for it to take off relatively smoothly. It has the 3.L73 rear end.

Clutch plate? It runs up thru the gears smoothly once the Rpms are up.

 

I experience jerking in my 96 4WD, 5-speed, 4.0L as well. This vehicle has never been smooth 'off-the-line' in 1st gear unless the revs are 1200 to 1500 RPM as well. I also have the 373 rear end ratio. Additionally, the clutch chatters/slips in first gear until the clutch has warmed up a bit - the first 5 or 6 shifts into first after starting. Terrible clutch on this vehicle since it was new but I've learned to live with it for 10 years.

 

i have a 97 and it use to be jerky. it seemed to go away the last time i chene my engine oil. i just did it last week, and noticed the diffrence. try running Mobil 1 through it. if you don't see a difference, go back to your normal stuff.