engine noise?

I have a 1997 jeep Cherokee Lerado with a 5.2 engine last night I got to a stop light and it died thought it was alternator got it home and started it was making a noise like it throe a piston rod. I started it this morning and it ran fine but a small noise like gears were not meshing. This has me baffled has anyone had this happen and if so what do you think it might be do not want to drive it to the mechanics and spent all money on towing. Don’t want to junk it seems like a good car but don’t want to start throwing money at it either.
Any ideas guys?

Phil
October 2009