Clunk ib front after slight lift

[Truckedup]

I recent lifted my 99 XJ about 1-1/2 inches. Delrin lift spacer with stock rubber isolator in front, Up Country type springs in back.
Since doing it there's a clunk in the front suspension right under my left foot.It only occurs when stopped and then make a left turn. Or driving slowly to the left like out of a driveway and drop down slightly to road level. No noise to the right or when driving on smooth or rough roads.
The steering linkage felt ok when I dropped the tie rods and track rod to install the spring spacers. Sway bar bushings look ok.
I just looked at the left front upper and lower control arms and the bushings are weathered some. A long screwdriver can wedge the arm back and forth like the rubber is somewhat soft. Nothing shows metal to metal rubbing . No damage to the control arms that I see.
The Jeep has 150,000 miles and isn't rusty....I should probably just replace the arms and bushings? Thanks

 

[WB9YZU]

My 1st impression is "Trackbar". If it can move, it will do that.

What else did you loosen to do the lift? All control arm bushing need to have been loose and re tightened at the new sitting height.

Have someone sit in the drivers seat and move the steering though it's paces to get it to make noise. Then touch each piece to find the source of the noise.

-Ron

 

[yossarian19]

I'm with ^ him ^.
Track bar. I'd bet on it. That bottom bolt, on the axle side of the bar, has a deceptively high torque setting for the diameter of it. I want to say it's at least 50 ft-lbs, maybe 60 - 65.
Leave the control arms alone for now. Make sure that the track bar is tight & go from there.

 

[dcampbell98XJ]

If it's not the track bar I'd say look at the sway bar links. Did you put in disconnects or longer links? If not with the new lift it could possibly have shifted and changed the angle enough that the bushing are binding and making noise.

 

[Truckedup]

My 1st impression is "Trackbar". If it can move, it will do that.

What else did you loosen to do the lift? All control arm bushing need to have been loose and re tightened at the new sitting height.

Have someone sit in the drivers seat and move the steering though it's paces to get it to make noise. Then touch each piece to find the source of the noise.

-Ron

Hmmm, I thought about loosening the control arm bushing bolts but didn't do it........
I did also remove the top bushings on the sway bar links...I'll have an assistant wigle the wheel and feel the various parts too......Although this Jeep doesn't actually shimmy, I can feel a brief bit of "pre shimmy" when hitting a rough patch of highway at 60 mph.....It's appears to be the original track rod....probably best to replace it as a precaution ?

 

[yossarian19]

I'd start by making sure that bottom bolt is torqued to spec, then get an assistant to turn the wheel. Or assistant first. Whichever.
Replacing the track rod is not a bad idea but it's usually thought better to know what the problem is before you reach for your wallet.

 

[Teephphah]

it's usually thought better to know what the problem is before you reach for your wallet.

:doh: Crap. I've been doing this all wrong.

That actually explains a lot though.

 

[Truckedup]

I'd start by making sure that bottom bolt is torqued to spec, then get an assistant to turn the wheel. Or assistant first. Whichever.
Replacing the track rod is not a bad idea but it's usually thought better to know what the problem is before you reach for your wallet.

Bingo...I had my bride wiggle the steering wheel back and forth while I felt the various tie rod,track rod etc and nothing...Then she pushed on header to rock the Jeep side to side, nothing....I put a 15 MM socket on a long 1/2 drive ratchet and got at least one more turn on the bolt without getting crazy on the bolt.....Noise gone !
I have three XJ's, this one is a 99 base 2 door model, the other two 97 and 99, 4 door Sports....The base two door makes more suspension and general road noise.
As always, thanks for all your help :woohoo: