thanks for the help so far.
I took a look, and it was pretty dirty in the wheel well - all those leaves falling and getting stuck everywhere. i took it in for a carwash that had an undercarriage wash.
For the rest of that day, the sqweeking was totally gone. not a peep from the car. i even took it on the rough spots around our driveway to check it. nothing.
now that its all dried out, i hear a little sqweeking again. not as bad as before. i think something in there just needs a little oil or something and it'll be quiet.
still, that doesnt explain how LIFTING it created the sqweeking problem. You guys are probably right about the spring not settling back in properly.
actually, hte car rides a little low on the right side too, maybe two or so millimeters difference from the other side. i wonder about that sometimes. springs dont go bad right?