FYI Diagnosis of Creaking and Thumping Noises

[Desert Dan]

I was out 4x4-ing last weekend and a noise developed. It seemed to be under my feet and being transmitted to the frame and body.

It felt like a loose bolt somewhere or a loose shock bolt. It wasn't coming through the trans shift lever or steering wheel? After watching the suspension it was obvious it wasn't the shock bolts. It seemed to happen in opposing wheel situations.

After looking under the truck for loose or broken things all I could figure was to tighten the body mount bushing bolt below the drivers side feet. I turned the 18mm bolt about 1 turn and so far no more creaking noises?