I'm looking at buying a 94 jeep cherokee with the front driveshaft removed?

[HUSKER MAT]

It has 164000 miles and is in decent shape. The owner said it rattled and vibrated when the front driveshaft was attached, so she drove it without it and it drives great. Would this be a driveshaft problem or transfer case problem? It does run good but also needs a heater core. I think I can get this for $600-$700. Good buy or not and any ideas why it rattles when the front driveshaft is attached?

 

[b b]

it could be a bad u joint but sometimes the cherokees have a internal shaft that breaks loose and rattles