Yes, those should be welded. I just inspected mine to be sure, and I've got beads at all arrows...
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Also, although this is my first experience with Johnny Joints, I would say that Johnny Joints may squeak, but not creak. I thought that my Johnny Joints were creaking, and it turned out to be broken brackets that were missing beads in the cutouts. So be sure to inspect everything very thoroughly.
I thought my Johnny joints were creaking. Turned out to be the body to frame bolts. I coated them in white lithium grease and the creaking is gone now.
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2018 JLUR Sting Gray