Clunking Sound Help

I need some help diagnosing a clunking issue that sounds like it’s coming from the front. It happens if the weight shifts from one side to the other and when pulling into or backing out of my driveway going down/up the hump unevenly. New LBJ, Inner/Outer Tie Rod Ends, front shocks/struts (whole assembly), rack and pinion bushings, and sway bar end links. Removed skid plate and checked transmission mount bolts at the cross member. Rear leaf springs had clunking sounds so I replaced the pads between the leafs. UBJ and control arm bushings look good and have been replaced at some point. I’ve checked LCA torque.

 

You need to give us some pics so we can put eyes on your work.

What you describe with your words makes me think the swaybar links aren't installed correctly. Either too tight, or you didn't actually get the lower dogleg/L part of the link fully seated. I find it's easier to get the top part installed first, then raise/lower the UCA with a jack to line up the lower end of the link in the hole, tighten down, lower the truck, then torque reasonably, you should be good. The lower mount has a torque spec, I think it was 17ftlb on mine, for the upper mount you just want to tighten to the point it begins to engage the bushings, a lot of people make the mistake of over-tightening.

But that said - pics. Of everything you worked on. Both sides.

And obligatory: You **did** use OEM lower ball joints, right?

 

https://youtu.be/fubtlPHWJJA?si=lRp0wQvmCeooor0w

Can you make it make the noise by shaking the truck while parked?

 

I’ll try and get some pictures soon. One thing worth mentioning is that I had the sound before doing any work (this is why I was doing it). I did torque everything to spec.

 

I had a very bad clunk in my front end like you described and it was the lower control arm bushings. I'd take a closer look at those with the wheels off the ground and check for play.

 

I need to recheck. Will report back. I was able to for the leaf springs before I replaced the spacer pads.

 

while its jacked up.


And if the tie rod ends are known to be tight, maybe any play at 9&3 could be the inner tie rods.

 

@Mr.bee beat me to the other thing.

Is your truck 2WD or 4WD? Your truck info doesn't say.

• If 2WD, have you checked the crossmember bolts, up underneath the crossmember at the spot where it meets the transmission?
• If 4WD, when was the last time you lubricated all zerks on the driveline, including the slip yolk?

Stupid other question, from idiot-1st-person experience: Is it possible there's something loose somewhere, in the glove box, in the sunglass holder above the mirror, in the center console, which is shifting back and forth? I left a deep well socket or something in the sunglass holder once, and any time the car shifted left-to-right, I got a clunk/thud.

Is it possible to have a friend back the truck out so you can observe/listen from the ground? Or maybe you record with a smartphone under the truck to see if you can identify what is moving when the sound happens?

 

Disconnect the sway bar links and back out of your driveway to test.

 

did you grease the leaf spring shims when you replaced them? If not, you really need to do that next. I had your same problem and greasing the leaf springs solved it 100%. I've found that I need to re-grease once a year to keep the springs from making those popping and clunking sounds:
https://www.tundras.com/threads/popping-noise-when-turning-fixed.107586/#post-2770094

 

Just had this exact condition last week. After bringing into the dealer, they confirmed it was three engine mounts. It is all quiet now.

 

The 2000-2006 1st gen’s don’t have issues with engine mounts. I’ve seen exactly zero cases of engine mount failure here in the 1st gen subforum over the last 4yrs or so. Appreciate the add-on but not sure that 2nd gen info helps this 1st gen driver much.

 

I did not. This was the answer. While I had the leafs (leaves?) separated I took a putty knife and put some moly grease between the leafs too. Popping is gone. Thank you!

 

Your OEM leaf springs should have little keyed plastic spacers between each leaf. I can get the part number if you need it. Are yours missing? These things, like a plastic circle with a round nub in the center that seats it in the spring. Supposed to cut down on rub and clank.

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Yes, I replaced these with some that I 3d printed, but I think the material I used was too soft. When I greased between my leafs, I also replaced these again with these Dorman 924-070

$13 Dorman 924-070 Rear Leaf Spring Insert Compatible with Select Models, 4 Pack

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C1CECGS. Not sure if the grease did it or the new silencers…but I’m happy. I did notice that one of my leafs was was kind of out of line with the others, but I do have the leaf spring rebound clips and they look in tact and in good shape.

 

Well, if you're anywhere within a couple hours of Atlanta, you're welcome to my gently used OEM leafs and honestly, I'd take half what I've got 'em listed at. It looks like someone in the Bay Area has some up also.

 

I'm glad it worked out for you!

 

My truck has slowly started squeaking again. Its not as loud as before and I think its coming from the leaf spring bolts where it attaches to the frame. Gonna spray some grease in there.