Rear end pop/clunk

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HoosierJeeper

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Past few weeks I've noticed a pop/clunk from the rear. It only happens on the compression stroke when both rear wheels go over the same bump exactly the same (like hitting a speed bump quickly). Looked at the tri link and can't seem to find any play in it. I rocked the KJ back and forth while watching it and it didn't move. Also tried prying it up with a pry bar and nothing. Noticed the driver's rear shock is covered in a heavy mist/sludge. There are also rub marks in the wheel wells from the tires hitting.

If it isn't the trilink, could it be that it's just bottoming out and the shocks are shot? I've blown shocks on the KJ before but it doesn't feel bouncy this time.
 

HoosierJeeper

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Tried shoving a rag in there to tighten it up and no dice. When I inspected the trilink for play, I did notice the driver's side rear shock was covered in fluid, it was caked on there, probably about 1/16" of an inch deep, if not more. Passenger side shock is completely dry. Could that shock be blown and be the source of the clunk? I will get pics of it tomorrow. Is there a test I can do? It doesn't seem to bounce a whole lot.
 

ltd02

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I'd definitely replace the rear shocks and see if it helps. Needs to be done anyway. A leaking shock is a bad one and could be the culprit.
 

HoosierJeeper

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Anyone have any comments on how to check the trilink for play or other symptoms that come with a bad trilink?
Here's a pic of the questionable shock.
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ltd02

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Yikes. That looks like it is toast. As for the trilink I think you can get a pry bar up in there and try to move it. It shouldn't move much if any.
 

HoosierJeeper

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I tried prying with a pry bar and rocking the KJ back and forth while watching it, didn't move at all.
 

LibertyTC

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No That Shock IS.....54415[/ATTACH]"]
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Replace both rear shocks. Considering the Monroe coil overs there HJ?
54417[/ATTACH]"]
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Get the shocks done and go from there, sounds like your tri-link is still ok.
 

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HoosierJeeper

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I think I might go with the load levelers. I don't tow or haul much but I always thought the Bilsteins were a little soft. This is the second pair of Bilsteins I've had that have gone bad in less than 40k. Are these the right ones?
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=2215748&cc=1384602&jnid=577&jpid=74
Thanks for the help guys. I'll check the trilink again but yeah I didn't see any play in it. How long do they typically last? Got about 145k on mine.
 
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LibertyTC

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Yup 58649 -If you are wearing the rears out go for it!
link: http://www.jeepkj.com/forum/f203/monroe-load-adjusting-shocks-installed-56297/
The tr-link develops cracks in bushings and the upper ball joint is the real clunker.
It can hold together or not. Get your shocks in which is easy & see what happens.
Hopefully the tire wont rub anymore, are your lower control arms solid, good bushings?
 

HoosierJeeper

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They should be, they got replaced in the recall a couple years ago (with new arms)
 

tommudd

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Compare prices at shockwarehouse as well
Thats where I get a lot of my shocks for anything but OME / Ironman lifts
 

Cpt Marvel

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Ok. Thought so. Had a good fight changing mine. The 3 bolts that hold the upper mount to the top of the diff appear to have been put in with heavy duty lock-tite. Quarter turn at a time...
 

HoosierJeeper

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Here's a vid of the tri link.
 

tommudd

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Ok. Thought so. Had a good fight changing mine. The 3 bolts that hold the upper mount to the top of the diff appear to have been put in with heavy duty lock-tite. Quarter turn at a time...


You mean these 3 bolts
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Yes they have locktite from the factory and should have some installed when you replace them.
Well unless like mine that was removed weekly at least for a while :happy175:
My battery powered high zoot gun brings them off easily:icon_lol:
 
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