Tailgate Rattle or Something Else?

[jab23]

Hi All,

My continuing love/hate relationship continues with my low-ish mileage 4.6. I've had every "common" problem so far despite it's great history prior to me buying it 2 years ago. Probably $5k worth of stuff with the starter being the most recent (last week). Okay, bitching over. Boo-hoo. Just frustrated.

So, now I'm trying to track down a popping noise in the cargo area. Thought it was only happening when the body flexed in my up hill, turning garage entrance, but seems to be happening a lot more now regardless of road conditions. I found lots of great advice here and tried felt tape on the rear seat latches, adjusted bump stops on the lift gate, and made sure the rubber stops were in place where the upper lid latches to lower. Checked spare, battery, tools, etc.. Took some trim off I thought might be the culprit. Nope.

It's hard to pinpoint and sounds like maybe something on a pendulum hitting the inside of a rear quarter panel (I checked in there too!). So, now I'm reading about bushings. Could that be it?

Just wanted to get your opinions before I bring it to my indy yet again. Thanks!