On my 96 cherokee I get a binding and occasional grinding noise from the front axel when making sharp turns. It is infrequent in 2 wheel drive but more pronounced in 4, sharp tight turns seem binding and almost like it wants to make little hops. How to determine if its the universals or somthing else. Any help or advise in diagnosing would be greatly appreciated

Sounds like an axle u-joint is ready to grenade on you. Just take a close look at them, one is probably starting to twist out.

SOunds like a U-Joint in the front end... Make sure if your going to do the work yourself (to save yourself the money) really consider the ball joints too while you have it that far apart (atleast give them a good inspection because they are non greasable if they are the originals)