wj rear rattle

[pantsman]

I may have posted in the incorrect area beforehand? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ok guys I know some of you may know about this already. I have followed all instructions to get rid of the rattle in the rear of my WJ which I have had since new. I have to date... 1. new shocks 2. tried the washer around the top and bottom shock mounts. 3. replaced the rear upper ball joint 4. replaced the bushings on the control arms 5. replaced as well as disconnected the sway bar end links 6. new bushings on sway bar 7. Replaced A Arm bushings. When I take the shocks off the noise seems to diminish by about 80%, and they have been replaced under warranty. I have also checked rear door, and everything else internally. I love this car and have spent about $3K on it in the last year, but this noise is driving me nuts. I did notice when I jacked it up the other day that there was a slight noise when I put some muscle into the rear left wheel in the up and down direction, and took it to the mechanic who seemed to think that this may not be the problem. Has anyone identified a solution, or any ideas would be appreciated

[SNOWG]

Are they factory or aftermarket shocks?

I screwed around for months with front and rear rattles, in EVERY instance it always turned out to be the shock bolts, funny looking half tapered beasts they are, hard to find as they on rattle under vehicle load, if you run anything but factory shock you may want to find some bolts that fit perfectly.

[mek67j]

Yep rear shock bolts and you have to torque them up really tight with the car on wheels not jacked up bouncing it a few times before tightening them up.

[fester]

As mentioned, you said washers but not if you changed the bolts. Other thing yiu havent mentioned is the spring pads which could be buggered by now.

[drover]

I tried the washers trick, even silastic around the bolt but the knock always returned it seems aftermarket ones the sleeve on the shock mount is not quite the same size as the bolt, I have found OME to fit with no knock or rattle. Not your tow hitch/fuel tank mounts.

Did notice that some shocks when cross referencing the number are actually for Grand Wagoneer, so may be going for the length and the mount should be right attitude.

[tiler607]

This has driven me mad bolts in bolts out new washers big ones small ones. I have even had two dud Rancho Shocks. I found Removing the welded nut on the lower mount two washers either side of crush tube and as suggested tightening on the Ground with long bar helped on the drivers side rear but still working on passenger side rear Drovers suggestion of the right size bolt to fit the crush tube is a very good idea and a longer crush tubes. According to 4wd1
the bottom rear mount when compressed only touches the rubber and not rhe crush tube hence the rattle. I still trying to find the right solution so any more suggestions would be most welcome.

[drover]

I was going to try a slice of copper tube and tighten the bolt up against it, thought it would work better than a washer but I got the shits with the Ranchos and went for a set of OldManEmu's and BINGO no bloody rattle or sway for that matter, so never did know if my copper pipe idea would work.