what and where would the knocking on an 97 jeep grandcherokee loredo straight 6 come from ?
hmmm…short on details here. What is normally referred to as “knock” comes from the process of combustion within the combustion chamber. Although a timing chain can make noise as well…
Not sure why you head this post with “timing chain”. Timing chains rattle when they start going bad. A knocking sound from INSIDE the engine is often connecting rods (one regular poster is “Rod Knox”), or something else loosening up, usually something serious.
The normal thing to do is to drive this vehicle only as far as a good shop to get it inspected first and then fixed properly. The straight six is a very sturdy engine if maintained properly. You have not told us how many miles on it.