Hello all, I am a newly registered, long time reader of your forum. If that makes sense? My issue is one that has me puzzled, and I'm hoping for guidance. Lifted my 03 3.7 last Saturday. 2.5" JBA rear springs, 2.5" OTT spacers in front (I know I know, they are temporary, but I'm not here about that) Had no issues at first, minus slight shake due to misalignment. I took it in to get it aligned yesterday. Toe was slightly adjusted, nothing else touched (I know the mechanic that did it personally). I drive it home and has a noticeable thump and noise coming from drivers front. Noise stops when brakes are applied. I take it back, we look at everything, nothing feels loose (axles, ball joints, etc) he points blame at CV axle due to cut in boot (which I did during lift install). Now, before I tackle this in the morning, should I replace the axle, I know it will fail now due to the cut, but HAS it failed? Does what I attempted to describe sound like the CV axle on the driver's side? Or could it be something else, and save me the headache of busting out the ratchet straps two weekends in a row? Thanks in advance!

-Woody

Check the inboard CVs for up/down play in the diff housing. Those outer bearings (plastic bushing) in the housing are a common wear item, and more angle on the CVs (from lift) highlights it.

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Hers: 2005 KJ, V6/6spd/NV242J/3.73/posi, 2" Teraflex, ¾" cradle drop, KK forks, 22½" hub-to-flare, RRO arms, 245/75R16s, 260,000km
Mine: 1993 W250, Cummins/5spd/NP205/3.54, Lockright, ~3" lift, 315/75R16 Duratracs, extra smoke, more noise, 374,000km

It was the driver's front axle. There was no play in it, nor noise that I could reproduce manually on the lift. I had my doubts at first that it was at fault, but changed it anyway since I cut the boot. Glad I did, cause it fixed the noise and vibration. On a positive note; Im getting really fast at assembling/disassembling the front suspension! Thank you for replying!

-Woody

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