Agree with Banshee above but will chime in because it's early at work and I don't want to work yet.
Had a few TJ's with similar issues. They would seem solid when I pushed or leaned on the tailgate, but would THUNK when driving. The acceleration when you hit a bump is pretty large so duplicating it while sitting may not replicate the conditions enough to get the THUNK. But as above make sure you try lifting up as well as down, as these jeep THUNK's go both ways.
Next I would look at anything aftermarket - bumpers, rails, shocks, etc. Not everyone knows what a torque wrench is and a little wiggle can easily cause a THUNK.
Try driving without the spare and see if you get a THUNK still. Could help narrow it down.
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It woulda been cheaper to set a year's salary on fire in the driveway & just left seat with friends
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