Most likely the bushings in the control arms, but it could also be the sway bar end links creaking as well.
I've been doing a bit more research on various options including what you guys have talked about. This is from CodaMan's Jeep. I think I'm trying to go a similar direction. Does anyone have any feedback on something like this or suggest doing any parts of this different or adding anything additional? Would I have any issue running sway bar disconnects with something like this setup? I admit I'm not terribly informed on what kind of setup you have to have or what you have to account for if you disconnect the front sway bar.
- Pro Comp 2" Springs (Front) — EXP55297
- Pro Comp 2" Springs (Rear) — EXP55298
- Rancho RS5000X Shocks (2 Front) — RS55239
- Rancho RS5000X Shocks (2 Rear) — RS55241
- OME Rear Track Bar Reloaction Bracket — ARB FKWTJ02
- Daystar.75" Spacers — KJ09108BK (note: only used above front springs for leveling)
- Rock Krawler Bump Stop Extensions (Front and Rear) --RKSRK05611 (note: Comes with 6 1" extensions. Glue or bolt 1 to each spring bucket at the bottom of the front springs; I used this RTV Adhesive and it worked great. Then bolt 1 above each bump stop cup on rear springs)
The sway bars work best when they are parallel. A few degrees up or down is ok. The biggest issue you will face is the front sway bar end links are weak at the upper ball/socket joint. A few hard flexes on the trail may eventually liberate the ball from the socket and make the links useless, so plan for an upgrade there as well in your build. I have JKS disconnects on my front bar and adjustable, extended ones on the rear.
A little forklift flexing shows some of the advantages to disco'ing the front bar. The first pick is with the sway bar connected,
View attachment 83240
Notice the angle that the body is leaning towards.
The opposite rear tire is stuffed into the fender well,
View attachment 83241
As far as I can go without lifting the right rear tire off the ground,
View attachment 83242
Now, with the sway bar disco'd,
View attachment 83243
Notice how the body isn't leaning as badly as the prior pic?
Also notice how the left rear tire isn't nearly as stuffed into the wheel well,
View attachment 83245
Roughly, 5 more inches of articulation was achieved disco'd.
View attachment 83246
This is on 33" tires and a 3" lift. Stick with a smaller tire like 31's and you can get even more impressive numbers. Granted most of us don't need this kind of articulation for normal off roading, but it sure is nice to know you can if the need arose. I run a lot of forest service trails and the winters can tear them up, leaving huge washouts, so it's nice to have the flex when needed.
man that is the best illustration I've ever seen for how the sway bar affects articulation, levelness & how it even impacts the rear. Excellent!
Awesome. Yeah I've looked at the JKS front disconnects. I'll keep those on the mind for the front. Can you let me know more about what you have setup in the rear?
It really was an eye opener for me as well. The Antirock sway bar can get even better results with more stability. One day I may get one.
it would be interesting to see that forklift test with the antirock added as a third test group to the two you've got. I made the switch quite a while ago & while I cannot say how the numbers would come out I can say I've experienced better control. After reading some of @jjvw 's comments about the different settings I began experimenting over the winter by moving from the softest setting #5 to the mid-point #3 which turned out to be an excellent idea, it's almost unbelievable how level the jeep stays going through the wonkiest of trails. This was Saturday, maybe not the best illustration of it given the position of the driver's rear but it was really nice all day on that setting.
View attachment 83260
Imagine how close your mirror would have been to that stump had you not had that kind of control and stability.
@jjvw had a post in another thread we were conversing on where he had a pic of his rig earlier on in his build showing a fork lift flex and his front clearing a 28" tall trash can. Similarish setup on 33's at the time.
So I have determined that I’ll need new control arms. I got under there and rocked the Jeep up and down and they definitely were making the creaking sound.
I have also kind of noticed something when driving so I thought I’d check with you guys As I’m not sure if it is steering or suspension related. Primarily when I’m turning even slightly (bend in the road is enough), if I hit a bump the front is fine but when the rear goes over it I almost get a sensation that the rear is stepping out a bit. Not in the sense of losing traction or wheel spin but rather that it almost feels like the rear is trying to go another direction than where the front of the rig is going. It’s not enough to cause me to swerve or counter steer or anything but it just feels odd for a second before it straightens right up. Anyone had that? Is there anything remotely normal about it? Anything to check for? Thanks
You talking about the butt "wiggling" or shaking side to side? If so, yes I have it and I've read that it's normal to an extent but that it can be made worse by a variety of things.
I'll let others with more experience chime in regarding the specifics. I do think worn bushings in the control arms can be a contributing factor but not necessarily the only one.
Well I'm getting started! I ordered some truck lite knockoffs I read about in the forums that others are using so those will be here Monday and I just ordered 8 replacement Moog control arms and front and rear upper bushings. Shipped will be $232 from rock auto. Thought that was a pretty good deal as it was going to be at least $310 for those on amazon. This weekend I'm planning to do some steering tests on the jeep and check the ball joints as well so I can make decisions on what to replace there.
Next week I'll be changing fluids on everything I haven't finished yet including front diff and replacing the pinion seal. I'l be replacing the oil pan gasket as well as I've got a light leak there. Also planning to do a brake job as well! Jeep will be like new soon I appreciate your support on all this guys. My favorite part is how much of this I'm doing myself with the help of my neighbor and father in law. A bunch of that is thanks to your guidance and all the information out here.