It could just be tailgate and bumper hitting each other or the exhaust hitting the crossmember. But shock bushings could be culprit too. The vibes on decel could be DS u joint. Have you tried pulling the front DS?

 

Do you have a lift? Do you have a SYE? Clunking can be a lot of things, spare tire banging on the stand, driveshaft slip yoke, lots of things but probably not the c-clips. Vibration and humming could be driveshaft or wheel bearings.

 

I know I have issues with my exhaust right now, one bracket is loose and keeps squeaking, so maybe while loose it hits something. Once I fix that I'll know if it was the problem. Shocks were changed recently.

The last time I checked u-joints were fine, but it can't hurt to check again. I didn't think about removing the front one and test it, I'll do that.

The reason why I'm talking about c-clips is because I do have a play in my axle, it's not a bad bearing or anything, the tire doesn't go up and down, but rather back and forth inside the axle. I read that to some extent (like 0.025" on each side) it's normal, but seems to have gotten worse lately. But as you and VTJeep said I should check the driveshaft u joints. Wheel bearings were done about a year ago, but I might as well make sure.

And yes, 4.5, no SYE (but can go up to 70 on the highway without vibration, it only happens upon deceleration)


Like I said I don't have access to a jack right now, normally I do this at my father's garage with access to everything I need on the weekends but was busy lately.

Thanks!

 

My money is on a rear driveshaft ujoint, but I could be wrong

 

I'll check that first, seems to be the most common suggestions. Thanks!

 

really i was under the impression that SS can reduce the harmonic imbalance in the front axle and if its bad the effect can be amplified. but hey everyone has their moments.

 

Harmonic imbalance that wouldn't be there if everything was within proper spec. A steering stabilizer only hides those issues

 

very true. Didnt think of it that way

 

We're all here to educate each other. The steering stabilizer band-aid is one of the biggest misinformation campaigns that we battle in the Jeep community

 

oh wow i didn't know it was an issue. ill definitely have to remember that one thanks!

 

An alternate perspective: Saying that a steering stabilizer helps correct imbalances is akin to saying that shock absorbers make roads smoother

 

 

My rear doors latch (not the tailgate) are pretty much stuck, both of them. Is there a way to take it apart and just clean everything, or is that complicated? My mechanic's suggestion was to get news ones from the JY, but haven't found any yet.

Also I've not tried anything as I can't get the doors open (unlocked). When I press the door handle button it will often stay "pushed" inside and that makes the manual lock button unable to go all the way and unlock the door. Looking for some help!

(it's not power locks, everything is manual)

 

I ran into this on mine soon after I got it... (the WD-40 they sprayed on it probably wore off)

Had to rebuild or replace two of my outside door handles and two inside due to broken return springs. Took all the others off and disassembled, cleaned and lubed with silicone paste on the mechanisms and graphite lock lube in the key cylinders. They've all been perfect ever since, which was 20K miles/ year and a half ago.

As for getting them unlocked... getting the door panels off from side the jeep with the door shut isn't easy, but it is doable. I had one that was locked up like that, not to mention my hatch. I've never had much luck with slim-jims, but I suppose that could be an option as well.

Things to watch for: The outer door handles are different for pre- and post-1997 models, they look similar and will mount up, but the operation inside the door is opposite the early style. The mounting studs for them are bronze or some other soft alloy, so be mindful of breaking them. I broke one or two in the JY just pulling them looking for good replacements. Those steel nuts on bronze studs seize up pretty good.

Good luck!

 

Thanks for the info. Since it's the rear doors it'll be easier since the seats don't cover the inside trim.