Sinking Creek 4WD Association

I am hearing a "knock" in my steering, most noticeable when moving slow and turning the wheel sharply. Mostly in tight turns and backing out of my driveway. I can feel it in the wheel when it happens and have no idea how to start diagnosing this. I replaced my tie rod and drag link this summer, unfortunately with MOPAR due to my 15" wheels. I loosened and re tightened the axle side track bar bolt, but I don't have a torque wrench. I put a lot of force in and got it really f'ing tight with a breaker bar. I think this weekend im going to remove the trackbar because I am a couple threads off from center and then re tighten it all. Hopefully I'll have a torque wrench ordered this week or next. If that doesn't help, I'll have a friend turn the wheel while i look around at the linkage to see if anything is jumping around.

I know not many of us have JK's but everything is pretty similar tot a TJ. Any other ideas of what this could be, or how to narrow it down? I'm also thinking the pitman arm, or something in the steering shaft. Seeing as those parts get expensive, I wouldn't like to replace any of that off a whim.

Most common problem I see on the JK's is their track bar bolts being insufficient in size and clamp load. The early JK's 07-10 has a M12 lower axle bolt and then they switched to a M14. It was bad enough where 100% stock JK's were getting DW because their bolts would just work loose. With that being said, I would confirm that you're reaching the torque spec and them some more over. I had to tighten my frame side bolt past 120 ft-lbs for it to sit still while spec was only 80 ft-lbs.

Secondly, I'd do research on "upgrade" bolts. For example I went from my M12 to a 1/2 Grade 8 and it fit better in the hole. Cost me ~$10 and I have an easy backup.

Lastly, make sure the Jam Nuts, on the track bar and control arms, (if applicable), are TIGHT. I have a pipe wrench for mine and I put about as much force as I can on it.

Want to grease my intermediate steering shaft. Anyone have a gun I can borrow for an hour? I can grab some grease if needed too.

The intermediate shaft is greaseable on the JK?

I got a grease gun you can borrow. I think the grease in it is still good. If not you will have to get some.

Once I get her back from the shop I'll let ya know. Thanks!