Clunking noise in rear right side

[golddigger]

I have a rear clunk noise when hitting potholes or bumps in the road and it is driving me nutty trying to find it.

the leaf spring and shackle bushings look to be in good shape,  there is only 85k on the clock 

it is a 88 Comanche pioneer 

1. exhaust is tight 
2. shocks are tight
3. spare tire removed
4. no visible movement in the rear springs or shackles  

[Pete M]

is the exhaust smacking into the trans crossmember?  that tends to be a common issue, though it can be more of a thunk you feel rather than a clunk you hear.

[golddigger]

1 minute ago, Pete M said:

is the exhaust smacking into the trans crossmember?  that tends to be a common issue, though it can be more of a thunk you feel rather than a clunk you hear.

no it is not I checked it all out already  

thanks 

[Pete M]

how new are the shocks? 

[golddigger]

1 minute ago, Pete M said:

how new are the shocks? 

they are in good shape  new 

[89 MJ]

Is the spare tire moving around? Lug nuts all torqued?

[Pete M]

no spare. 

 

what about something in the brakes being loose on that side?

[golddigger]

20 minutes ago, 89 MJ said:

Is the spare tire moving around? Lug nuts all torqued?

no  spare  new lug nuts  today

[89 MJ]

56 minutes ago, Pete M said:

no spare. 

 I even reread the post before I commented. Whoops

[golddigger]

its ok 

thank you for your input 

[eaglescout526]

You know, I’ve had U-joints make a clunking when they aren’t full of grease anymore. 

[golddigger]

2 hours ago, Pete M said:

is the exhaust smacking into the trans crossmember?  that tends to be a common issue, though it can be more of a thunk you feel rather than a clunk you hear.

no it is clear and tight   

 

[watchamakalit]

I know this is gonna sound stupid, but it's the voice of experience.  Do you have any loose items rolling around in the bed?

[PIKE]

Have you installed after market shackles ? Many after market places sell the same shackles for XJ's  and MJ's. The steel bushing inside the rubber on a XJ shackle is 2.715" long. The steel bushing on  an MJ is 2.815" long. I found this out after I bought some shackles from Rubicon Express. I have clunking too.

[hgeranium]

Could it be your tailgate moving around? Mine rattles when driving around and hitting bumps sometimes. 

[Big Dan]

8 hours ago, hgeranium said:

Could it be your tailgate moving around? Mine rattles when driving around and hitting bumps sometimes. 

 

Same.  The clunking that I have is the tail gate.  Worth looking into, OP.