Front end noise when in 4X4

[Jeff2023JT]

I put a 4.5" lift on my 2023 rubicon with 37/12.50.17 and had it alignment done by the only 4x4 shop here and now i have a pretty bad chunking noise in the front if I get above 15 mph in 4x4 I'm sure the pinion angle is the problem. Any ideas?? I've never done any alignment stuff my self not that i can't just need to know what and how to do it. I have every tool known to man.

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[RoamingGladiator]

A few questions...

1. What is the lift? What was actually done? (Parts) That is a very tall lift and requires quite a few things to have proper geometry.
2. On what surface are you testing the 4x4?

 

[Hootbro]

What brand and model lift? Not all lifts packages are equal and some will leave out things that may be needed. Also, my understanding is that new drive shafts are recommended when going above 3".

 

[RoamingGladiator]

What brand and model lift? Not all lifts packages are equal and some will leave out things that may be needed. Also, my understanding is that new drive shafts are recommended when going above 3".

It depends on the shock length. If you don't have more than 28.5" front shock length you don't require a new driveshaft. Teraflex shocks for example run a bit short and you can get away without needing a new driveshaft on taller lifts.

 

[Jeff2023JT]

A few questions...

1. What is the lift? What was actually done? (Parts) That is a very tall lift and requires quite a few things to have proper geometry.
2. On what surface are you testing the 4x4?

I installed a full 3.5" clayton overland lift with full control arms and both track bars, new shocks, Falcon Shocks Nexus EF 2.2 Steering Stabilizer, synergy front track bar sector shaft brace front bumper and 13,000# winch and 5.13 gears. When i got the kit i went with claytons HD rear springs being i carry a loads sometimes which the springs ended up being 1.250" taller than the regular non HD springs that comes with the kit. So without a load in the bed the the front was way to low for my liking. So i added a 1" spacer to the front springs to get it back to some what level just a little lower in the front around 3/4"+/- which seems to be about right. So that put it at a 4.5" lift to the best of my math skills which i like the look. But i also don't have a lot of confidence in the company that aligned it either!! I would like to get rid of the spacer and find springs that are the right length any ideas on what springs would work as well. For as where i tested it was on my ranch RDs both dirt and rock rd as to why i went with the HD spring I carry a lot of deer feed at times. I travel over a ton of dirt RDs on 50,000 ac ranch.. Thanks for any help

 

[RoamingGladiator]

I installed a full 3.5" clayton overland lift with full control arms and both track bars, new shocks, Falcon Shocks Nexus EF 2.2 Steering Stabilizer, synergy front track bar sector shaft brace front bumper and 13,000# winch and 5.13 gears. When i got the kit i went with claytons HD rear springs being i carry a loads sometimes which the springs ended up being 1.250" taller than the regular non HD springs that comes with the kit. So without a load in the bed the the front was way to low for my liking. So i added a 1" spacer to the front springs to get it back to some what level just a little lower in the front around 3/4"+/- which seems to be about right. So that put it at a 4.5" lift to the best of my math skills which i like the look. But i also don't have a lot of confidence in the company that aligned it either!! I would like to get rid of the spacer

That's a solid lift. Sounds like it could be an alignment issue. From a load perspective, if you're not carrying load all the time like an overlander type build. You're better off removing that spacer, going with the regular non HD springs in the back and getting something like an AirRite system. Pump it up when you need the extra weight, otherwise keep it level.

Did the shop happen to give you a print out of the alignment specs?

What surface are you testing your 4x4 on?

 

[Jeff2023JT]

That's a solid lift. Sounds like it could be an alignment issue. From a load perspective, if you're not carrying load all the time like an overlander type build. You're better off removing that spacer, going with the regular non HD springs in the back and getting something like an AirRite system. Pump it up when you need the extra weight, otherwise keep it level.

Did the shop happen to give you a print out of the alignment specs?

What surface are you testing your 4x4 on?

For as where i tested it was on my ranch RDs both dirt and rock rd as to why i went with the HD spring I carry a lot of deer feed at times. I travel over a ton of dirt RDs on 50,000 ac ranch. I'm think of getting all new springs. i do like the 4.5" look and i'm going to go with either 38-40"x13,50.17 tires next time around.

 

[RoamingGladiator]

For as where i tested it was on my ranch RDs both dirt and rock rd as to why i went with the HD spring I carry a lot of deer feed at times. I travel over a ton of dirt RDs on 50,000 ac ranch. I'm think of getting all new springs. i do like the 4.5" look and i'm going to go with either 38-40"x13,50.17 tires next time around.

Unlikely you'll hear clunking on dirt... my concern was testing 4x4 on dry pavement, that can definitely make some nice binding/clunking noises.

You could hear clunking if you're flexed with a 4.5" lift without a new front driveshaft... but if its happening at 15mph on level ground, something is definitely off. I would get it looked over by a shop, hard to diagnose without actually looking at the vehicle. I know the Rubicons have some E-Locker slop but you wouldn't be getting that clunking in 4x4.

 

[JT1]

OP, you have a pic of the front axle pinion to driveshaft relationship? It may be as simple as too much positive caster.

 

[Jeff2023JT]

OP, you have a pic of the front axle pinion to driveshaft relationship? It may be as simple as too much positive caster.

No but i can get one i'll do it soon as i get home. Thanks

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