So this weekend I went flexing around a local canyon/reservoir area. On the way back I could hear a loud knock or thump during start and stop driving and at times a similar but different "noise" at braking. These "noises" happened when I would accelerate quicker from an the light and I noticed the next day that when I drove from a stopped position slower there was no "noise".

WOL told me that sooner or later I would have to upgrade the front drive shaft, so I don't have a problem doing it if I need to, but I'm wondering if these are the symptoms.

Also, i'd like suggestions as to what to use for the replacement.

Thanks.

 

actually, what you are describing sounds like blown out bushings. if i recall correctly, you have a full traction lift correct? there was a batch of bushing they got from their supplier a while back that was all wrong and was prone to premature failure. more than likely, you have one of these bad bushing sets. fortunately, they are easy to replace and full traction should send you out a set for free.

 

Yes I have the FT and now, and I remember you showing me where they can go bad. I will get under the JK as soon as I get home any check.

Thanks for the quick reply.

 

Okay, so I got under to check the bushing and they look fine. I had to clean off the grease and then hose them off because I went to Azusa Canyon this weekend, so they are also well lubed. I raised my hopes that it would be the bushing, but now I at a lose. ...

 

blown bushings are hard to see especially if it's just a crack as it will seal up at a normal state. try to have someone look at the bushings from outside your jeep and the hit the accelerator from a stop. the sudden movement should cause the sound you are hearing as well as be seen as a shifting in the mount.

 

Well with out even doing that, that is the symptom/noise I wrote about earlier; so I'm sure that you are right about the problem. I'll call FT tomorrow bushings for the new and get it to the shop ASAP.

I spoke with the FT rep, I think his name is Fred at Pomona and, my issue with FT is that the replacement bushings will be the same material and stock and these only lasted 6-7 months.

Eddie as always, Thanks for you help and advise.

 

I"m pretty sure it was Steve I talked to at FT. I had the same concern about the replacements and he promised me that the replacements he was sending me are a better grade material than the stock ones.

They sent them out quickly - they were sitting on my doorstep in two days.

 

Update:
Just got off the line w/FT and they are sending all new set of bushing out today. They said that they have corrected the problem w/ the bushings which are made for them by Energy Suspension. Not a different material but the "right" formulation, or something like that. Anyway, hopefully this will correct the problem.

 

I ran across this thread thru another post, and I see it's less than a month old. I just found out that my third set of bushings are shot, and waiting to contact FT about replacing them again. These lasted about 2 months or so. My question is, when you go out wheeling, do you put your suspension through it's full limits. I think I might know why I keep chewing up bushings, but tjust trying to collect some more info.