Front end clunk when turning at low speed

[JamperMan410]

My 07 kj now has a clunking in the front when making a slow speed left turn. Its sounds like drivers side, but not really sure. Has a 2" BDS lift. Lower ball joints, sway bar links and bushings, and drivers side cv axle all done in the past few months.

When I jacked up the front, everything seems tight with no play in any parts....tie rods, ball joints, bushings, etc. The clunk does not happen when turning the steering wheel while truck was jacked up or just sitting still on the ground. Only happens on slow speed left turns.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

[u2slow]

Check the right side over. Its fairly common for the intermediate shaft interface and bearing to wear out and bang around intermittently.

 

[JamperMan410]

Check the right side over. Its fairly common for the intermediate shaft interface and bearing to wear out and bang around intermittently.

What is an intermediate shaft interface? Not familiar with that term.

 

[u2slow]

Where the passenger side CV axle plugs into the front diff.

 

[JamperMan410]

Where the passenger side CV axle plugs into the front diff.

Oh ok. I'll check that out. Thanks

 

[fastfreddy56]

While you are under there, tighten all fasteners that hold the front sway bar mount and sway bar links to take up slack in the rubber isolators. Tighten them even if they don't appear to be loose. Lots of clunking noises will go away after you do this.

 

[JamperMan410]

Thanks. I'll try that. Also, a friend just found my front differential bushings have alot of play and that's likely the culprit, he couldn't find anything else loose. We're ordering the parts and will replacing them soon. Fingers crossed!

 

[Robochop]

You didn't mention the wheel hub bearing. Was it changed with the rest of the suspension? Also check the intermediate drive shaft. Get under there with a good flashlight and look deep down inside the Xfer case side. Sometimes the boot will be bad and debris will get inside the CV joint.

 

[JamperMan410]

Hey all, I have an update. I got a mechanic buddy to look at my KJ and we found that the front differential mount bushings are worn and have a bunch of play in them. Ordered the parts and will be replacing soon. Thanks for all your replies!

 

[mercdudecbr600]

having just done this job, it requires removing the front differential. The creative steal bushings are a good alternative to stock but require a press to get the old ones out - even then, it’s a fight.

 

[JamperMan410]

Cool, thanks. A buddy and I are gonna tackle that this week or next