Creaking sound in upper control arm area

Hey guys,
So the PO has front spacers and rear lift blocks, which I intend to remove when I replace both front and rear shocks/struts.
I experience steering wheel vibration at 45-55 mph, then again around 65-75 mph.
I have a creaking noise when somebody enters/exits the rig, more so on the passenger side. When I rock the truck back and forth I can hear that creaking sound too.
I think the sound can be pinpointed to the upper control arm bushings. The sway bar links are shot too. Both the upper ball joints and sway bar links are some BS from 1A auto. I replaced the LBJ with OEM and the tie rods a few weeks ago (yes I know, I was in there, I should have done it all but, ya know time). My question is this: is steering wheel vibration a common symptom of all the above mentioned problems? Truck has had an alignment.

edit: could the creaking simply be that I need to grease the UCA bushings? And the steering wheel vibration, possibly just symptom of the front strut assembly with the spacer? They’re Gabriel Ultras with a spacer, according to his spreadsheet they were install in 2015 @ 60k miles ago

 

When were the tires last balanced, and was it a road force balance?

 

I had a mount and balance when I swapped my winter tires a little over a month ago. I honestly don’t know if it was a road force balance, I’ll have to call my shop and ask.

 

Vibration was the same with both sets of tires?

 

yes, vibration was the same. Might be important, the rims are aftermarket. They’re blsck and don’t have the Toyota emblem, so at least I’d assume they’re aftermarket.. 16”

 

So reading the PO spreadsheet, he noticed the vibration after he replaced the driveshaft, along with the carrier bearing and u-joints. He thought it might need to be balanced but even after I swapped the winter tires, the vibration was still there.

 

I had a creaking issue. It could be that your LCA bushings are toast, like mine were.

 

Did you have steering wheel vibration as well?

 

No, just the creaking.

 

Alright guys soooo pretty sure the vibration is coming from the driveshaft. Getting that balanced tomorrow. When the previous owner told me the truck needs a balance, I didn’t realize he specifically meant the driveshaft.
As far as the creaking, pretty sure it’s the UCA. Thanks guys

 

I didn't think driveshaft typically caused steering wheel vibrations, vibrations in the floor/seat are more common