and where does this leave your pinion angle? Adjust for pinion and deal with caster or get a new setup. Bad caster can in extreme cases leads to faster balljiont wear ds vibes can do more damage.

 

Thanks to the OP for this thread. I've read all the posts, and have a "similar" problem.

2010 4D Rubicon, with a 2.5" Teraflex Lift (new coils, shocks, etc). Stock tires for now. New front and rear bumpers (winch also on front, and new swing-out tire carrier on rear).

I'm was getting a vibration / resonance around 35 to 45 MPH initially, but am now hearing a distinct grinding-type noise at these speeds. The noise and vibration appear to emanate from right under my feet, so I was thinking the front DS was needing re-balancing, or perhaps a new Tom Woods DS. However, from the posts on this thread, perhaps I need to consider new, adjustable upper control arms for the front, to tune in a new pinion angle, and keep the stock DS.

Once the original tires are "used up", I'll eventually go with 33's. Am assuming that the new upper control arms would come in useful for this change as well.

Any input / advice will be gratefully appreciated.

 

How long have you had this driveshaft noise? With a resonance that has turned into a 'grinding', I'd suggest you crawl under and actually take a look at that driveshaft. Is there oil/grease around the joint at the tcase end? A ring of grease on the undercarraige above it?

Yes, lowering the caster will help, but it may be too late for that driveshaft...

Also, while front adj lowers are a bit more expensive than uppers, they will give a better range of adjustability, and would be the better choice.

 

Thanks for the reply.

Yes, I did crawl under the beast, and took a look. No grease or damage to the boot and no evidence of other damage that I can see.

Hadn't considered lower adjustable's...............didn't know there was such an animal...

 

Yep, there are 8 control arms. Sets of front uppers, front lowers, rear uppers, rear lowers.

To raise caster, you 'shorten' front uppers. (many uppers do not adjust short enough to get the caster where you want it)
You 'lengthen' front lowers to raise caster, so any adj lower out there will work. (making them the better choice if you only get one set)

 

.....oh goody.....more stuff to buy......

 

Haha . This made me laugh really loud. I know the feeling bro.

 

Well........................

Removed the front DS.....the noise is still there, but not quite as pronounced. So, I'm guessing I've got a problem with the front diff., that's probably exacerbated by the front DS.

....bummer......

....only 3k miles on the beast........3 months new.......

I'll be making an appointment with the dealer..