Only in 4wd under heavy load or turning under a little load I get a clunk sound, Sometimes two clunks. Sounds like under the front-end mostly passenger side sometimes driver. Usually can only be replicated by going in reverse clunk clunk then forward again another clunk.

FACTS:
2009 JKU Sahara
leveling kit
Trackbar seems tight
Both axle ujoints are Spicers changed a year ago
front drive shaft ujoint seems fine
1.5 in wheels spacers are tight
Balljoints stock but tested fine
all other suspension parts have been torqued
34" tires
Salty NY winters
driveshaft boots look new
wheeled very little and not abused (only because I don't have time)
Frame side trackbar bolt upgraded but not axle side
had friend drive jeep while i was outside listening could not locate the cause
I have searched the forum for past posts with no luck
I realize trying to diagnose a noise issue over the web is a long shot


QUESTIONS:
could ujoints go bad in one year
Could I have screwed up the ujoint install a year ago
Is the trackbar under more stress in 4wd
could CV joint on the back of front driveshaft bad


I appreciate any help or suggestions.. Thanks!!!!

 

could be a ujoint

 

That's what I'm leaning toward. I think I'll replace them both. I think I'm better off with a greasable ujoint here in the salt anyways.

 

Check your track bar. i was having a similar issue and found out that my track bar was not torqued down enough on the axle end. It was shifting when I would turn causing a clunking noise.

 

I checked trackbar seems torqued but I don't have the bolt upgraded on the axle side, I'll change that bolt. Is trackbar under more stress in 4wd??

 

if you have a company that does free alignment checks, they can figure it out, i did, at first i was told it might be a ball joint, but it was actually a broken tie rod. theres' a few companies that do free inspections, try it. my track bar is new. you have 34's so thats' not too bad? mine are 35 nittos, very heavy. i was told to keep an eye on ball joints, i believe you have to get the offset ones if you have a lift, i have a 3" lift. with that and the huge tires, everything under there is under a tremendous amount of stress. i dont offroad it, cant afford to break it. good luck! ---LindasJeep

 

I had the same problem. I finally tracked it down to a lose control arm bolt. I Replaced everything with Grade 8 hardware.

 

Interesting thought on ball joints perhaps I should get them professionally check. I did tighten all the control arm bolts.

Is the trackbar under more stress in 4wd????

 

Does anyone know if the trackbar is under more stress in 4wd than 2wd?

 

I wouldn't think so.