Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

Front driver's side "clunk"

JABCAT

Member
Original poster
Joined
May 12, 2023
Messages
57
Location
Prosper, TX
Have a very noticeable "clunk" that appears to be coming from the front driver's side. 2003 Wrangler X with 156k mi. Here's everything that's been replaced with brand new components in the last couple months:
  • Front & rear upper & lower control arms
  • Front & rear sway bar bushings
  • Front & rear sway bar end-links
  • Front & rear shocks
  • Front & rear springs
  • Steering stabilizer
  • Front track bar
  • Front brakes (calipers, rotors, & pads)
  • Wheels & tires
Took it to a well-respected off-road shop & they had it for 5 days. Said it was the nicest riding TJ they've had in the shop but couldn't identify the cause of the "clunking".

Coming out of my driveway (rolled curb) definitely hear it. Drive over railroad tracks & it sounds like the entire front end is going to fall off. Everything is torqued to spec. Jump up & down on the bumper, no noise, so it has to be suspension-related? At a loss.
 
Usually loose shock bolts. It doesn't make the noise when you bounce the bumper because you can't move it fast enough for the shock to unseat from the perch.

If the shock bolts are tight like you said then my next guess would be a worn ball joint.

Are they stock suspension parts?
 
All bolts have been torqued & re-torqued, and re-torqued.
Springs are H&R,
Shocks - Rancho RS5000X,
End-links are Moog,
Bushings are Moog,
Steering drag link - Moog,
Steering tie rod end - Moog,
Upper & lower control arms -Crown Automotive
Steering stabilizer - Monroe Magnum
 
I have seen the transfer case shift linkage do that

The crossmember to the front of an automatic transmission is also notorious for noise-nutserts get stripped or get loose
 
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All bolts have been torqued & re-torqued, and re-torqued.
Springs are H&R,
Shocks - Rancho RS5000X,
End-links are Moog,
Bushings are Moog,
Steering drag link - Moog,
Steering tie rod end - Moog,
Upper & lower control arms -Crown Automotive
Steering stabilizer - Monroe Magnum
And yet, it could still be a worn ball joint.
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator