Help address clunk after 6112 install - Not skid plate related

2021 CMAX
6112/5160s installed at 1.9"
Stock UCAs
Still on stock tires and TRD OR wheels
Alignment done right after suspension install

I need some help addressing a clunk I'm getting post-suspension install. When hitting small bumps at low speeds with wheels straight or only slightly turned, I'm hearing a clunk from the front wheel areas. Figured it was the skid plate (stock TRD OR plate) but the skid plate is so small I can't figure out where it could possibly be hitting, and I don't see any marks or dents on it. I did notice some bent metal on the driver side strut tower housing (see photos.) The passenger side isn't as bad but does show some signs of wear.

Has anyone had similar issues? My initial guess is I will need aftermarker UCAs, but since I'm still on stock tire size I would be really surprised if I need to go aftermarket UCAs. Anyone have other ideas what it could be? Anything I should recheck with the sway bar maybe?

Thanks.

 

When you remove the skid plate, do you hear that clunk?

 

I haven't removed it only because I can't imagine what it would be hitting. It's such a narrow skid plate and far away from any steering/suspension components. I'll give it a try though.

 

that strut tower ding does not look fresh.

 

Agreed. The truck only has 42K on it, so I wondered if that was a factory blemish. I didn't notice it or pay attention while I installed the suspension. Also going to re-check torque on LCAs today since another thread mentioned it. Side request, has anyone found a decent resource for torque settings on these trucks? I have to piece meal things from the interwebs.

 

My clunks have always been traced back to the skid plates. Run with the plate off for a bit and see if you can get the noise.

 

I had a clunk on my old truck as well after installing 6112's. It was hitting in this area, from the ABS bracket (I think) onto the fender.

 

I don't see how you can miss or not notice that ding when being around there. Tried tightening up the skid plates? Been around the sway bar lately? Spray some lubricant on the bushings and see if that helps.
I bought a factory manual USB stick on rockauto for the Tundra.

 

Check the clearance from the differential to its skid plate. My old Colorado had less than 1mm after installing a lift and it would contact on bumps and when the wheels were fully turned.

 

If it is the skid clearance just add a ~1/4" of washers between the skid plate and frame

 

Well I figured it out. Wasn't the skid plate but an extremely loose LCA nut, as in I could turn it with my fingers loose. I was out driving when I figured it out, tightened it with a wrench I keep in the truck and took it back to the alignment shop. Glad I caught it when I did. Thanks for the help all.

 

Oh WOW!!

They probably knew that it has to be torqued on the ground, but then forgot to do it. You definitely don't want that nut coming loose and falling off!!

 

Nope, I wasnt happy when I found it. Well, I was happy but then I wasn't.