Mystery noise

I just wanted to tell everyone thanks because I got the parts from Quaratec and had a couple of problems but the Jeep looks great. I put new HD leaf springs, bushings, shocks, U-bolts in.

I snapped all of the shock mount bolts but I then just had to cut through the back and bust off the weld nut, however, I now have an issue with a rattling that is very annoying when I go down especially dirt roads. All fasteners are tight. The noise seems to be coming from the shock mount location to the frame but it is very tight. I don't know what could be the problem. I never had this prior to the rear suspension change. Anyone else had this issue? Please advise on what it could be. I spent hours under the Jeep inside the Jeep with the carpet out pushing but cannot pin-point it. Please help...

Thanks,
Joe

Make sure the spare tire is in there tight.

Don't know what the knocking noise is...otherwise. Mine makes noise too.. over rough roads but is OK on smooth roads.

There is also something inside the gas tank that make noise also when full.

Yeah, I believe that I could just be so used to my bad leaf springs and shock that when I upgraded to the Heavy Duty package that I just "feel" it (or hear) it more.

Plus...it's a Jeep.

It's hard to pin-point where the noise is coming from but it feels like there is something no loose in the member which holds both shock mounts. I was just curious to know if anyone else had experienced this issue.

You're right, the sound does not "rattle" when driving on a good road. Only when hitting pot holes (which are plentiful here in MI) and when going on dirt roads.

Joe

Front swaybar bushings:confused:

No, the noise is in the rear and is most noticeable when going over light bumps in the road.

Thanks.

Did you get rid of your rear anti-sway bar yet? You don't need it with stiffer springs.

Make sure the rear shackle does not hit the bumper screw..the ones for the bracket.

Wow, I didn't know that you don't need the anti-sway bar. Currently it is attached onto the frame and the top plate of the U-bolts. So I should take that off, eh? You have your off? I have the heavy duty springs so I guess I'm a candidate for booting it.

All of my joints (shackle to frame, shackle to spring) are tight. Could you please elaborate a little more on the screw you are talking about you mentioned the "screw...the one for the bracket". Thanks.

1. Yep, my rear sway bar is gone. Most off road Jeep XJ users have theirs off. The factory up-country suspension does not come with one from the factory.

2. I have a longer shackle on mine (Rocky Road) and one bolt on each side will hit when the shackle flexes...Just use a shorter one or some washers on the bumper bracket (rear bumper).

EDIT:
On the rear sway bar...if yours is not lifted and you tow a trailer a lot....you might leave the sway bar on for that.
On some lifts the bar will hit the rear tire.

so upon further investigation I have read that many other people with this issue have put in "Bar pin eliminators" to connect the shock to the frame. The symptoms to mine are the same as the other. Does anyone else believe it would be a good idea to invest into this? If so , where should I buy it? Quadratec?

Please advise.

I saw where you put new shocks in.

I might mention that urethane bushings will transmit more noise.

Do two things:
1. get underneath and make sure no brake lines are loose on their brackets and tiewrap the harness connector to the fuel tank so it cannot rattle. Tie wrap anything else that is loose.
2. put some suitcases in back with some weight in them and drive around and see if that changes things.

On the BPEs, there is no guarantee that will solve your problem. I have them, mine are from Rocky Road.
http://www.rocky-road.com/xjbarpin.html

JKS also has some:
http://store.jksmfg.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=BARPINELIM&Store_Code=JKS01&Category_Code=Shock

I have some noise also running empty, but is not noticable when I drive with stuff back there.

My Cherokee Sport makes the same noise. I did some searching and it seems that the transmission mounts on these vehicles are a common problem. It sounds just like the tailpipe is hitting the underside of the vehicle near the rear seat. Next time I have it up on the lift at my friend's place, I'll take a look at it.

I have to replace that stinkin' exhaust manifold first, though, since it's one of the famous cracked ones.