Articulation --> Driveshaft hits muffler

[TwoBobsKJ]

So last weekend I went wheeling and tackled some real off-camber trails. Had a blast but in one section as the trail twisted so the front of the Jeep was going one way and the rear end going the other there was a distinct clattering, rattling sound from the rear. At first I thought it was a spider gear chipping off teeth or something crazy like that - but then I stopped and crawled underneath and saw that the rear axle moved toward the passenger/right side enough that the U-joint on the rear driveshaft was clipping the muffler. I figured no harm/no foul so I kept going. Pics below show the amount of articulation from the rear and from the driver's side.

Is this amount of displacement due to the tri-link joints being so worn?

Axle articulation from the rear:

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Driver's side wheel drop:

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Bob

 

[tommudd]

Tri link would have to be really worn to move around very much plus it would be more fore and aft instead of side to side Again unless its REALLY bad
Aftermarket muffler or stock?
Mines 4 or 5 inches away at least even when flexed out
how much room does it have sitting level?

 

[J-Thompson]

I have seen this before
Figured that the muffler had got hung up and pulled
closer to the u-joint
I don't see it as an issue

 

[TwoBobsKJ]

Thanks guys. It is a stock muffler and as far as I know the exhaust hasn't been shifted toward the center of the Jeep.

I'll climb under it tonight and measure how far away it is at normal attitude. I've been contemplating replacing either the tri-link or the LCA's as there is some unsteadiness when going over certain bumps & ridges on-road. Can't figure out the culprit and thought maybe the u-joint hitting the muffler might have identified it.

I'll report back tonight.

Bob

 

[tjkj2002]

It's your stock muffler that is the issue,remove it and put in a smaller muffler will cure your issue at full flex.

No hitting of the muffler inj the pic below,at that time I a Thrush Turbo muffler installed,no tail pipe either just a turndown clamped on the outlet of the muffler.

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