I recently installed a 2" budget boost in my 2001 Grand Cherokee and I'm very happy with the extra lift and bigger tires BUT ever since the install the Jeep pops and creaks with any moderate bumps and even manholes. It's like something is binding. I'm very unhappy with the noises it makes..... so frustrating that it's not even enjoyable to drive anymore which really sucks since this is my daily driver. Would the control arms be in a bind? The budget boost install instructions never said anything about loosening them or anything. I've read tons of posts from people who have installed a 2" budget boost lift and not one mentions having these popping issues. ANY and all help would be greatly appreciated. Please help. I didn't replace the shocks.... which shocks should I buy to accomodate the 2" lift? I don't think it's the shocks though.


RIZ

 

it could be the shocks. It could also be a bad bushing. Its hard to say without being there, but something somewhere is moving/hitting something it shouldn't. Did you re tighten things 100-150 miles after the install?

 

The only bolts retightened after 100 miles were the lower shock bolts, and the bolts the disconnect the sway bar from the end links. These are the only bolts I even messed with.

RIZ

 

Does it clunk when you roll back and forth a few feet? When you turn the wheel? You'll have to jack up your jeep and start trying to move things, I could list off about 20 things that could make noise in the front end.

 

i'll bet it's the shocks too.

you could always try disconnecting the shocks at the lower (axle) end and drive up your street to see if the sound is gone.
i wouldn't drive much further tho, even tho you probably could.

 

I'll try that this weekend when I have extra time.

RIZ

 

Hey OP, what did you disconnect to install the budget lift and when did you tighten them up afterwards, with weight on the jeep or no weight. I'm curious if its the sway bar.

 

I removed the lower shock bolts and the bolts that disconnected the sway bar from the end links. I tightened them all with it lifted up as I was installing the budget lift. I retightened later when it was on the ground. Should I have left the sway bar/ end links bolts loose and tighten them while on the ground under weight?

RIZ

 

Yup. Loosen, wiggle jeep around alot and retighten. Then see f it happens still

 

OK, no more clunking... I loosened the front lower sway bar bolts then drove it around the block then came back and tightened them back up and now it drives like stock again! The instructions for the budget boost never said to loosen those bolts, only the lower shock bolts. If it said to do it I would never had this problem.
I now love my Jeep again! Thanks !


RIZ

 

See, funny thing is. Majority of people on this site do the same mistake. They tighten bolts whilst in the air still. Then lower the jeep and either get clunks, rough ride or an additional several inches of lift cause nothing is compressing right. Glad it worked out for you