Solved steering/clunking problem

[sparkzaflyin]

When my CJ5 was parked, I would get a loud popping clunk sound reverberating throughout the truck, when turning the steering wheel left and right from center. After checking ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, shackles, bushings, opening up the steering box for lubricant levels, I was at a loss, all things mentioned above were good to go. I got the "significant other"
to turn the wheel back and forth between clunks and discovered the second leaf
on the driver side was ratcheting back and forth under load. it seemed the rebound clip had sprung apart enough to allow lateral movement enough of the second leaf and the leaf was popping and hitting the sides of the front shackle. I squeezed the sides of the rebound clip and welded the top to prevent spreading out again. Knocking is gone, it seems to be a good short term fix, probably looking at new springs soon. Pics below:

 

[jfmcj7]

I will have to look into this one. Mine has a clunking sound too while driving and turning the steering wheel at low speed. I can feel it in the floor board.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Spray those spring packs with silicone spray.
That 'clunk' will go away.
Be very cautious about welding around springs.
LG

 

[sparkzaflyin]

Spray those spring packs with silicone spray.
That 'clunk' will go away.
Be very cautious about welding around springs.
LG

Understood, Lumpy. We made sure that the weld wire was at least 1/4" away from the spring pack. I can still slide a feeler gauge between the leaf and rebound clip. Should be good (I hope!)

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Understood, Lumpy. We made sure that the weld wire was at least 1/4" away from the spring pack. I can still slide a feeler gauge between the leaf and rebound clip. Should be good (I hope!)

It did look like it wasn't your first day......
LG