Creaking wheels

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Was getting some creaking when pulling out of the driveway and when I would park. Thought it might be the brakes, had 50K miles on the original pads. Replaced the pads this past weekend. Only looked about half worn. Or the pad was half the size of the new pad (maybe that's more than half?) Still noticed the creaking. Had my wife hop in the car. With the car stopped, when she would turn the wheel either driver or passenger, both sides would creak right when before it got to full stop. Starts creaking with maybe a half wheel turn left all the way through full stop.
When replacing the brake pads, I had checked all the bolts under the front end, everything was tight. I'm thinking something with the drag link, track bar or tie rod but not sure where to start.

I had another post about 6 weeks ago, had the front end aligned. The shop got it aligned but the drag link was tightened all the way and the wheel was still crooked. Truck then went off to the dealer for 4 weeks to get some corrosion fixed. Just got it back last week and hadn't had a chance to play with the drag link at all. Wondering if that might be part of the issue?

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[CrazyCooter]

Check your front axle nuts 100ftlb. I find most JK/JL/JT nuts are loose after some 4x4 use.

 

[Klicht87]

I think I had a very similar issue. At the time I had the teraflex leveling kit installed but the issue came well after install. It usually happened when coming to a stop on an incline. All bolts were still torqued to spec. I've since replaced the leveling kit with the AEV spacer lift and haven't had the issue since. I know this probably isn't helpful but I couldn't pinpoint what the actual issue was -- maybe the springs not seated right - although they looked to be fine? who knows

 

[JTpanelsOFF]

Hmm one path is to add water or lubricant to a joint/rubber while turning the wheel, as you described. So for example, add water or lubricant to one end of a control arm, then turn the wheel (as you described) and listen for the creak. If the creak goes away, you know where the problem is. Do this carefully, by isolating one variable at a time. Don’t forget the springs at the top and bottom.

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