Clunk noise under hard accel/braking – 2024 Gladiator Rubicon, 3.5” lift, 37s

[Fox82]

Hey guys,

I’m chasing a weird clunk on my 2024 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon (3.6) and hoping for some direction.

Setup:

• 3.5” Metalcloak Overlander lift (installed new)
• 37” tires
• ~16,000 miles

Issue:
I’m getting two distinct clunk noises when:

• hard acceleration (from stop)
• quick braking / deceleration

It almost feels like something is shifting in the drivetrain or suspension.

What I’ve checked:

• All control arms (upper/lower) – tight
• Shocks – tight
• Bolts/nuts marked → nothing moved
• Visual inspection overall – nothing obvious loose

Important note:

• The front driveshaft has been removed and is currently in service due to vibrations
• The noise is still present with the front driveshaft removed → so it’s not related to the front driveshaft

Notes:

• Sounds like it’s coming from underneath (probably rear)

Any ideas what to check next?
Rear driveshaft? Control arm bushings? Track bar? Something with the lift setup?

Appreciate any input.

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[Stan H]

Hey guys,

I’m chasing a weird clunk on my 2024 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon (3.6) and hoping for some direction.

Setup:

• 3.5” Metalcloak Overlander lift (installed new)
• 37” tires
• ~16,000 miles

Issue:
I’m getting two distinct clunk noises when:

• hard acceleration (from stop)
• quick braking / deceleration

It almost feels like something is shifting in the drivetrain or suspension.

What I’ve checked:

• All control arms (upper/lower) – tight
• Shocks – tight
• Bolts/nuts marked → nothing moved
• Visual inspection overall – nothing obvious loose

Important note:

• The front driveshaft has been removed and is currently in service due to vibrations
• The noise is still present with the front driveshaft removed → so it’s not related to the front driveshaft

Notes:

• Sounds like it’s coming from underneath (probably rear)

Any ideas what to check next?
Rear driveshaft? Control arm bushings? Track bar? Something with the lift setup?

Appreciate any input.

Could it be stuck brakes or a ceased caliper or a bad pinion bearing ?

 

[Stan H]

Or could it be sway bar end links or a bad rear track bar ?

 

[mjfrank]

I’m wondering if you are getting some binding in the rear driveshaft joint ( not really a u-joint anymore, maybe a CV, Rzeppa?) I think 3.5“ is getting close for the joints, and hard acceleration or deceleration will angle the pinion up and down, possibly past that limit. I know mine looks pretty angled just sitting, and I’m only at 2.5”.

 

[md2k]

have a gopro? clip mount it underdeath (with a tether if it falls lol) and aim it at different parts, maybe mic picks something up and narrows down the area.

is your spare secured tight? does it have a cable lock or anything on it that might clunk around?
was lift tightened with it on the ground or in the air so its loaded weird.

look at lift install instructions and see what else had to be removed, maybe some exhaust hanger making it clunk?

 

[HotWheels]

https://trailandsummit.com/jeep-wrangler-drive-shaft-clicking-solutions/

https://cartreatments.com/causes-of-drive-shaft-noise/

https://www.extremeterrain.com/wrangler-jeep-slip-yoke-eliminators-explained.html



https://bryansgarage.com/symptoms-of-a-bad-slip-yoke/

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...on-issues-begging-for-help.94757/post-1516264


this would be my guess with the lift or did yours have a SYE? sounds like the issue my 25 JT had in reverse only and dealership replaced a shock that makes still no sense for a binding clunk sound and feel.

 

[HVYMETL]

Hey guys,

I’m chasing a weird clunk on my 2024 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon (3.6) and hoping for some direction.

Setup:

• 3.5” Metalcloak Overlander lift (installed new)
• 37” tires
• ~16,000 miles

Issue:
I’m getting two distinct clunk noises when:

• hard acceleration (from stop)
• quick braking / deceleration

It almost feels like something is shifting in the drivetrain or suspension.

What I’ve checked:

• All control arms (upper/lower) – tight
• Shocks – tight
• Bolts/nuts marked → nothing moved
• Visual inspection overall – nothing obvious loose

Important note:

• The front driveshaft has been removed and is currently in service due to vibrations
• The noise is still present with the front driveshaft removed → so it’s not related to the front driveshaft

Notes:

• Sounds like it’s coming from underneath (probably rear)

Any ideas what to check next?
Rear driveshaft? Control arm bushings? Track bar? Something with the lift setup?

Appreciate any input.

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