Hey jeepers
I've got a 2000 XJ, 4wd V6 (the Thief). Recently lifted it 3"on the front and 2.5" back. I had crazy death wobble after the lift, and have spent the past 3 months replacing all of my front steering components:
+tracbar
+upper control arms
+lower control arms
+tie rod (and joints)
+drag link (and joints)
Last night I finished swapping out my steering gear box with a Durango '98, and installed the c-rock gear box Reinforcing plate. My frame was not cracked in my steering area.
The only parts I haven't replaced are the ball joints, ujojnts and cv axles. The upper control arm bushings are also oem.

Now for the problem, during a turn usually, or sometimes just going over a pothole, I hear/feel a loud click under my driver side, left foot. It seems to lign up with my unibody frame. I've retightened all bolts in respect to my lift, and the steering updates, nothing was loose. I've inspected the frame itself, it doesn't seem cracked in any place. There is mild rust in my wheel well, but nothing which could explain this noise. The death wobble seems to be gone now, I'm just too terrified to actually push it to test it..

Any ideas? Could it be an engine mount? Or am I actually feeling my cv or ball joins?

Any ideas welcome, and thanks in advance!

 

Most definitely could be the ball joints. Also could be shocks. Pull the wheels and check them out. If you cant find the source have a buddy jump the front end up and down while you crawl around underneath and look and listen. Have him open the drivers door and stand on the door jam and jump all around rock the jeep like crazy. If you can get it to make the sound keep at it till you pinpoint it

 

Thanks for the suggestion! I'll check out my ball joints, and try the jumping around.. My shocks are new from the lift as well, but I will double check to ensure those are properly seated in the slots..

 

Unless someone did a total engine swap out, you have a 4.0l inline or straight 6...NOT a V6

 

Yes you're correct, it's a 4.0l i6

 

Did you figure it out?

Definitely sounds like a drivers side motor mount to me.
These torquey engines are tough to keep down.

Put it in 4 low and then step on the brake and give it some gas at same time and see if you feel/hear it pop. Even easier with hood popped and a 2nd person.

Took me awhile to realize what my noise was, but 1 all day trail ride beat the hell out of what was left of that rubber mount and I was metal on metal riding home.

 

Haven't had the opportunity to bounce it around, drive it three hours for a 4th party and all my fixes on the death wobble thrown out the window two hours in. This car is a lemon hahah

I've suspected the engine mount, so I'll have a look at it next, thanks for the suggestion. I thought it was maybe my drag link shock mount hitting the Trac bar, but no luck there.
I can let you guys know when I'm back from vacation!