I thought I'd just give some follow-up on this post.
I took the XJ down to Hammonds for a major service and check over, especially that noise I was worried about. Turns out it's bearing noise from the transfer case, which is why it only showed up in 4WD. They said that a previous owner had probably run it in 4WD with poorly matched tyres and it's worn the bearings a bit but not enough to worry about. Apparently, while it's noisy, it's functioning perfectly in all modes. (But I still hate it.)
Also, every time I've had it at any mechanic, I've complained about the crap brakes even after new fluid, drums, shoes, pads, and machined discs. It took Hammonds to notice the rear brakes were way out of adjustment, and the brakes are now great. (A major national brakes "specialist" company did the brakes "overhaul" for me.)
And, I've also complained about the steering being sloppy and having too much free play. After a pre-purchase inspection by ****, a big day at the above "mechanic", and another day with a major national steering and suspension company, it took Hammonds to notice an upper controller arm bush was broken. It now feels like a totally different car. I quite like it now. But I still do have a bit of a list of non-urgent things to get to......eventually.
Hats off to Hammonds. Thank you.
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