Noisy Rear Suspension

[homer]

I have a 2003 GT with the steel upper/lower steeda control arms on the axle.  I also have the Ford lowering springs & shocks used in the Mach 1 application.

I am trying to find the cause of a noise - sounds like a rattle mixed with a creaking noise from the rear.  It's definitely due to suspension travel.  I took another look last night and it appears everything is tight.  I am considering tearing the whole thing apart and regreasing/retorquing everything.

Q:  Do you find anything common that causes this problem ?  I'll bring it in if you can help me deal with this problem.
 

[SteedaSteve]

does it happen when the car moves side to side or up and down? If you are local, we can take a look at it.

[homer]

It's definitely related to up/down travel in the suspension on the passenger side.  I suspect the poly bushings on one of the control arms may need to be regreased as a minimum.  The noise is messing with my head - especially the rattle.  I have never replaced the quad shock - may try taking it out for a short test drive around the block to see it it quits.

I'll bring it in after christmas if I can't figure it out.  Those suspension parts are big & hard to deal with w/o the proper tools.

[SteedaSteve]

you might have a bad quad shock, that's possible. Either that, or one of the uppers or lowers isn't tight. Bring it in if you want us to check it.

[homer]

I did another inspection and found a torn spring isolator on the passenger rear side - which is where my noise is coming from.  The isolator is on the control arm side (LOWER END OF THE SPRING) between the spring and the lower control arm.  Is this part available as a replacement ?  I am using the STEEDA steel lower control arm instead of the stock piece.

CB

[SteedaSteve]

we do have rear spring isolators available. They are sold as sets.