Clunk/ pop from suspension, is it drag link?

[TTEChris]

I check mine whenever I hear a noise I’m not expecting. Which has been every couple of off road trips lately. I can’t keep the swaybar link bolts tight. I did put locktite on several tray and will see how that works. Good luck.

I have the same issue with swaybar links loosening up and causing noise. On a recent trip we actually lost a nut securing our swaybar link and didn't realize it until we made it home. I make sure to torque all bolts to spec before and after every trip, but those damn links always seem to come loose. I've had a Jam nut come loose on my control arms, but never the bolts securing the arms to the frame/axle.

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[Midwest Stinger]

Sorry to hear about your issues. Going to watch this closely as I’m getting ready to install my JKs lift soon.

just wondering, where did you have the kit installed? Maybe axleboy? Or Hellbent performance?

Axleboy did my install. They’ve been great about communication an getting me back in for the issue, but it’s an hour drive and if I can just figure out exactly which bolts have been my issue then I can keep an eye on them at home.

 

[Texops]

I replaced my Drag-link today with synergy I can't stand the factory ones can't be greased & get sloppy quick , so later ill do the tie-rod it's tight for now.

 

[Bjeepz]

Great info, i just noticed a similar sound from my JT with the JKS lift. The lift has been on for about 4000 miles without issue until now. I am of course 250 miles from home and can’t have this place tightened as I am in a course until 4:30p of Friday...

 

[Midwest Stinger]

ok, so i found out where my popping sound was coming from a while back. the JKS quick disconnects have a pin that the link slides onto and those pins were slowly loosening up on me. to the point that i was able to turn them by hand. luckily i didn't loose either of them. i happened to notice it because some how one of the retaining pins sheared off one day, and i noticed i was getting more roll into corners etc. so i checked and it was gone, when i went to replace it, the whole pin that mounts to the axle was loose. a bit of locktite and a lot of force getting it tightened back up and i think we're all good.

So just a heads up on those JKS disconnects, they can make a popping noise too if that lower bolt starts to loosen on ya.

 

[Bonanza]

ok, so i found out where my popping sound was coming from a while back. the JKS quick disconnects have a pin that the link slides onto and those pins were slowly loosening up on me. to the point that i was able to turn them by hand. luckily i didn't loose either of them. i happened to notice it because some how one of the retaining pins sheared off one day, and i noticed i was getting more roll into corners etc. so i checked and it was gone, when i went to replace it, the whole pin that mounts to the axle was loose. a bit of locktite and a lot of force getting it tightened back up and i think we're all good.

So just a heads up on those JKS disconnects, they can make a popping noise too if that lower bolt starts to loosen on ya.

I googled 'Gladiator clunk from suspension" and was directed to this thread. I have the same lift, with the same odd clunk. The clunk comes when going down into a drainage divot near my house. It's driving me nuts!

 

[hjdca]

UPDATE: Took it back to the off-road shop that I had install my JKS lift and told them about the noise. They test drove and then looked it all over. They told me that a bit had loosened up a bit from the JKS torque specs and that they retightened them all and I should be good to go. Seemed fine for about the first 400 miles and then I heard another couple of clunks from I’m assuming the same loose control arm. Seems like 400-500 miles is really quick for these to start getting loose again already, these were highway miles and no off-road trips at all.

Question to you all.... how often do you check all bolts for torque, and is there anything to do to prevent them backing out (not sure if lock tite is the answer).

When I torqued my new suspension to specifications, I marked the bolts and nuts with a yellow paint pen marker. Now, after I do some heavy wheeling, I just take a look at the bolts and nuts and see if the mark has moved - a super easy check. So far, after about eight 4wheeling outings, the nuts and bolts have not moved and I am still confident I am torqued to spec.

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