TheMaddTitan13 Posted September 9 Share Posted September 9 So I want to see how others mjs sound offroad! I replaced most of the front end, rebuilt front axle, new brakes, new bushings/ball joints, new bushing on all shocks. I get alot of creeking, alittle knocking(not engine) and squeaks when I'm on really rocky areas. I can't seem to place the noise. Ive done some pretty heavy stuff in my truck, been through all trails in uwharrie(except frontside of daniels) & some recently went on a 800mile heavy offroad trip through west virginia. It operates beautifully, just so much racket! Any tips or advice? Are mjs just noisey offroad and I need to put better speakers in to drown it out? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted September 10 Share Posted September 10 does the knocking sound occur while tight turning? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMaddTitan13 Posted September 22 Author Share Posted September 22 On 9/10/2025 at 12:02 AM, Pete M said: does the knocking sound occur while tight turning? Yes only time I ever hear it anymore is very very tight right (max out steering), moderate and very tight lefts. (75%-100% steer) The first 2 weeks everytime you touch th3 steering wheel its going to feel like you just shot your tranny! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMaddTitan13 Posted September 22 Author Share Posted September 22 On 9/10/2025 at 12:02 AM, Pete M said: does the knocking sound occur while tight turning? Sorry bud! I thought this was my locker post! It's early! & no my offroad noise doesn't come from turning, mainly on very rough rocky trail, anytime I have to bump it, sounds like she is creaking and not crunching(but similar noise) I'm pretty mechanically inclined so I've checked all the main stuff and repaired tons of stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMaddTitan13 Posted September 22 Author Share Posted September 22 On 9/10/2025 at 12:02 AM, Pete M said: does the knocking sound occur while tight turning? I did re do both my front hubs recently and has taken 50%of the noise out, I think I didnt torque the hub bolts in properly last time and cause premature wear(small noise). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted September 22 Share Posted September 22 creaking is generally metal on metal and could be a dry joint or your springs or something of that nature. make sure to inspect your frame near the track bar bracket for cracks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesertRat1991 Posted September 22 Share Posted September 22 I feel like MJs are inherently noisy offroad. The unibody flexes, dirt gets in between the leaf springs and the tailgate assembly sounds like a tin can full of rocks right behind the driver's head. It's part of the charm of wheeling an antique vehichle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMaddTitan13 Posted September 23 Author Share Posted September 23 19 hours ago, DesertRat1991 said: I feel like MJs are inherently noisy offroad. The unibody flexes, dirt gets in between the leaf springs and the tailgate assembly sounds like a tin can full of rocks right behind the driver's head. It's part of the charm of wheeling an antique vehichle. Fair enough! Ive tinkered out alot of the noise, I've kinda leaned to the allways noisey side. She performs like a charm tho! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big_Mark Posted September 23 Share Posted September 23 When I put mine in 4wd and climb hills the front end makes a "rollercoaster" chain noise, I can't seem to pin it down, and nothing has broke yet so when I'm out wheeling, I just turn up the SLAYER!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMaddTitan13 Posted September 29 Author Share Posted September 29 On 9/23/2025 at 7:26 PM, Big_Mark said: When I put mine in 4wd and climb hills the front end makes a "rollercoaster" chain noise, I can't seem to pin it down, and nothing has broke yet so when I'm out wheeling, I just turn up the SLAYER!!!! Yes! Ive made it rain blood too many time on her, this time its the manche's turn! & that's a interesting noise! Do you have the old c.a.d. axle? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big_Mark Posted September 29 Share Posted September 29 nope, my axles are from 1999 Cherokee, at least that's what the PO said. I think I just need to pull the cover off, I might find some ring bolts backing out. the weird thing is the noise only comes under load, typically up hill, and only in 4WD. Who knows? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted September 30 Share Posted September 30 22 hours ago, Big_Mark said: nope, my axles are from 1999 Cherokee, at least that's what the PO said. I think I just need to pull the cover off, I might find some ring bolts backing out. the weird thing is the noise only comes under load, typically up hill, and only in 4WD. Who knows? out of curiosity, is your front axle a 99 or a 99 1/2? it only matters when you get to doing brakes. I recently discovered this tidbit after installing what turned out to be a 99.5 into a friend's truck. 99.5 take 2000+ rotors for some stupid reason. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big_Mark Posted September 30 Share Posted September 30 I don't rightly know, the swap was done by the PO so it's hard to tell. Any advice for numbers on the axle that would tell me? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yellowoctupus Posted October 1 Share Posted October 1 If you think it springs or some other dry spot, next time you go out wheeling bring a can of WD-40 with you, and then just liberally spray down one area at a time. Like spray down one leaf pack, try to get it to creak again and if it keeps creaking, go to the other leaf pack, and then just keep moving around on sway bars, bushings etc. Etc. It's a little tedious, but I have found metal on metal rubbing that way in the past. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pizzaman09 Posted October 2 Share Posted October 2 Whenever I drive my MJ in the field, the rear leaf springs squeak and creak a lot. Are you sure your sound is not the tire rubbing on the control arm in a tight turn? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now