03 STX 4x4 suspension creaking sound ?

[RichnMo]

Hello guy's and gal's, I've got a 2003 Ranger STX 4x4 that I'm getting ready to put a 3" torsion keys in the front and 2" add a leaf rear bu before I get started recently I've developed a creeking or kinda skreeching sound whenever the shocks or suspension depresses the slightest. I'm sure this isn't a isolated issue and thought I'd check with you all on this. Thanks Rich

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Usually your a arm bushings squeeking. My expeditions used to do it, squirt some used oil on any rubber pieces on the suspension up front

 

[RichnMo]

Thank you as I think I'll try some silicone spray I've got as it tends to last longer. But it seems like I'm getting a screeching out of the rear as well. At any rate I did check the lower ball joints are needing replaced so I may just put the uppers in as well and be done. Although my 97 explorer didn't need bjs till 140,000 and this ranger is 88,000 and lowers are definitely loose so I'll check the rest and do it all when I do the lift.

 

[sgtsandman]

I’m leaning towards ball joints or tie rod ends. I had a similar issue and it turned out one upper ball joint on one side was bad, one lower ball joint on the other was bad, and one of the tie rod ends.

If you can afford it, get ball joints and tie rod ends with grease fittings. The ability to grease them once or twice a year will help them last longer.

 

[RichnMo]

I’m leaning towards ball joints or tie rod ends. I had a similar issue and it turned out one upper ball joint on one side was bad, one lower ball joint on the other was bad, and one of the tie rod ends.

If you can afford it, get ball joints and tie rod ends with grease fittings. The ability to grease them once or twice a year will help them last longer.

Thank you for your input Sandman and I'm familiar with most noises but this ismore like the twisting of rubber or if the shaft on the shock or its pivot points are the squeek. I'll probably be looking at it again tomorrow . I also have a churp, chirp noise when rolling slow like a rusty ujoint as Ive had a slight viberation about 80 thats coming through the chassis. But thanks for all the tips guys and I'll post back with the news.

 

[sgtsandman]

Thank you for your input Sandman and I'm familiar with most noises but this ismore like the twisting of rubber or if the shaft on the shock or its pivot points are the squeek. I'll probably be looking at it again tomorrow . I also have a churp, chirp noise when rolling slow like a rusty ujoint as Ive had a slight viberation about 80 thats coming through the chassis. But thanks for all the tips guys and I'll post back with the news.

I had that too. Turns out it was a wheel bearing going bad.

Since it’s a rubber squeaking sound, look at the bushings for the anti-sway bar as well.