Flex and "pop" sound/felt under Drivers side

[SNO*MAN]

This one just baffles me. While turning as the suspension flexes a bit I get a small pop under the drivers side floorboard that I can feel and hear.
And since I can only make it happen while backing up and turning the wheel, I have no way of seeing where this flex is coming from.
I am thinking bushings in the leaf or a bit of frame flex. I plan on boxing in the frame when I get a chance to have it done.(no welding skills)
But could it be the bushings? That would be an easy fix to replace with some urethane ones. I thought about doing it anyway, but since the noise is new I was wondering does anyone else get suspension noises that concern them on their rigs?

[jpcoutts]

Could be the spring bushings as you suggest or the leaves rubbing against each other or body mounts. I had a J10 that did it and it drove me nuts until I figured out it was the leaves in the springs rubbing against each other.

[SNO*MAN]

Had not thought of the body mount. It has a body lift that is older so i will check the mounts.

[addicted]

Ball joints can make a popping noise as well, so I'd check those while you're looking at the mounts.

[addicted]

and the rest of the steering components too.

[CutterN55]

I have the same exact problem with mine. I have been hunting it down for a long time. I noticed the popping has quieted down since I put the Bias Ply tires on. I've swapped in new spring bushings, checked ball joints and looked at the steering box as well. I know It's coming from somewhere up high and I have been suspecting a body mount as well. Let me know where it gets you. If I spend any more time with my Jeep this weekend I'm gonna be in trouble with my wife.

[joe]

Could be the spring bushings as you suggest or the leaves rubbing against each other or body mounts. I had a J10 that did it and it drove me nuts until I figured out it was the leaves in the springs rubbing against each other.

x2, check that the spring wrap clips aren't rusted off. Don't know the official name but they are a small metal strap clamp that keep the leaves stacked nice and neat w/o fanning out. New clips are avail at any parts store. Replaced mine on my 73 when the left front spring pack popped on slow turns.

[FSJ Guy]

I had the same issue and it was spring bushings. The problem was solved with a 4" Skyjacker lift.

[flatbackdragon]

check the spring hangers on the rear of the front springs. Those are riveted onto the frame and they can and DO rip out of the frame.
Had the same issues before and could not find the problem until it/they tore out of the frame while wheeling.

[Heavy_Metal_Thunder_81]

check the spring hangers on the rear of the front springs. Those are riveted onto the frame and they can and DO rip out of the frame.
Had the same issues before and could not find the problem until it/they tore out of the frame while wheeling.

x2! There was a thread about this about a year ago.

[CutterN55]

front spring, rear mount could very well be a potential place to look. Not to take away from the OP, but I've looked over the front mounts and they are good.
I can feel the pop in the floor boards and feel/hear it in the frame rail but I can't pin-point it. What am I looking for? Should I just jack the crap out of that side and see if it's pulling out or shifting?

Last time I had something like this on a CJ I found a crack between the steering box bolts. My steering was sloppy too.

[rreed]

Hey mine does this too--when it rains!! I've never looked that hard for it becuase it's only when it rains, and when I'm maneuvering slowly and tightly (haha) in parking lots. While cranking the wheel from one lock to the other I get a good "bonk!" that I can feel under my foot. If it's dry outside I'm not sure it's happened 1-2 times in five years. It's a stock J20 that isn't wheeled but it's been through a few owners before me. I'll crawl under and have a close look at my frame side spring hangers at some point.

[wag4x6]

I get similar clunk/pop under my feet when I'm breaking. There seems to be an epidemic. I too havent found it. Good clunk/pop hunting to you, I look forward to what you find.

[jpcoutts]

I probably should have asked how much stress from flexing, loading etc. your rig has had. That could have a big impact on the answer to this question.

[Headhoncho]

I had banging under my feet too. One noise was while steering, it was the rear front spring eye sliding back and forth on the bushing banging between the hanger. The second noise was a result of my body lift, it cracked the area under the cab. It would stop squeaking when I sprayed the area with CRC. I have since rebuilt all the cab mounts (on the cab and the frame).



JR