U-joint or? Vibrations and clicks....

[lil_loco]

I'm getting some vibrations coming through the steering when accelerating between 20-70kmph. I also noticed a click/clunk sound when cranking my wheels (turning at intersections and parking) that is starting to increase in frequency. Sound like a chunk of steel sliding across the box but I really feel it in my left foot. I just got this truck and so far I can tell that the previous owner did nothing but drive it (even the oil was sludgy as if unchanged from when they bought it a year before). It is lifted 4.5" with t-case drop. Pushing 265/70/17s. 

 

With my limited mechanical knowledge - I am thinking front ujoints are hurting (if not just the left) but is there any other component I should be investigating? How much would it roughly cost to have the repair done? I do not have access to a press or most other common large job tools for that matter. 

[Pete M]

autozone will loan you a C-clamp style balljoint/ujoint press if you want to try it yourself. :thumbsup:

[jimoshel]

Have someone sit in the Jeep and rock the the steering wheel back and forth. You crawl underneath and look at every joint, u-joint and fittings for movement.

[gogmorgo]

A t-case drop not paired with a change in pinion angle will cause vibration, although it could be compensating for a change because of the lift.

I'd look for lug nuts, tire rub (on control arms), and steering u-joints. Also the frame-end track bar mount.

[Rockfrog]

Check the swaybar endlinks as a source for the click/clunk. If they are loose or worn you will get a nice clunk at low speeds and on a first turn. If it has disconnects they may have slop due to design. Disconnect them and try a short drive. I know my disconnects are the source of a fair bit of noise on my XJ.

 

If you are feeling a vibe in the wheel, and nothing from the seat, 9 times out of 10, it's the front end. Given the road speeds you mention, try swapping front wheels for the backs. Also look at the front driveshaft. It may not have power going to it, but it is always being driven by the front axle. Check the wheel bearings.