GooseJeep

Hey guys I recently lifted my 2000 XJ sport 4.0. It's got a 3" lift with t-case drop of 1.25" I have abosloutely no vibes whatsoever not even doing 85mph. My problem however IS this knocking/clunking noise that happens whenever I am reversing and turning, and then happens again when I go forward after being in reverse. I am thinking its a balljoint but I am not sure how to tell if those are bad. It is coming from the driver side front axle. It is very distinct, it's as if something is popping out of place then popping back in when I go forward.

This never occurred before I lifted it.

dans98xj

I would go around every nut and bolt on the control arms and track bar to make sure they are tight. I would also check out th U-joint on the differential side of the front drive shaft it could be binding or broken. How does it sound in 4WD does it go away or get worse? Nothing changes in the ball joints when you lift the jeep but a good way to check them would be to lift that tire off the ground and shake that tire wile grabbing the top and bottom of the tire. You could also check by getting a long pipe or pry bar and pulling up on the tire wile it is in the air.

GooseJeep

Ill go try those methods and update the thread. Thanks for the advice dan.

dans98xj

no problem

HudsonN

Check the trackbar bolt. Make sure it's tight and not popping. Also make sure the hole isn't wallowed out.

I'd also check the U-joints.

GooseJeep

How can you tell a u-joint is bad?

they are rusty.. on the outside im not sure what the pins look like inside. Any u-joint tutorials without machine press?

dans98xj

the best way to check it is to grab the shaft and pull on it. Or you can put the case in 4wd and lift up the one tire and try to rotate it by hand. there should be no play in the joint at all. The joints are not hard to change and you don't need a machine press to do it, just a good C-clamp and some BP plaster.