Lift Kit Issues

Hey everyone,

About 2 years ago I installed a RC 4.5” lift kit with all the bells and whistle options included. While the kit wasn’t exactly cheap, it was definitely cheaper than other manufacturers. The problems I’m having now is that I keep blowing out my driver side CV axle and there has been a continuous clicking/popping noise with suspension articulation on both sides of the truck. I have checked swaybars, tie rods, control arms, ball joints, and my coils. Nothing is loose or showing play or obvious signs of contact wear. I even went through the whole system to ensure all components are tight and torqued to RC’s provided specifications. I’m curious if anyone else has had these issues with this kit.

I’m contemplating getting aftermarket control arms but most aren’t offered for anything greater than 3” lifts. I’m likely going to put longer cv axles in that are meant for trucks with a lift kit even though they aren’t required. If that doesn’t work I may end up removing the lift kit which would be a total bummer. I’m hoping someone could point me in a better direction. Love the truck the way it is but it hurts my soul to listen to that noise going over bumps or pulling in and out of my driveway. Thanks!

 

What sort of CV angle do you have?

I would think that a 4.5" lift includes a subframe drop for the front differential, but if it doesn't, that would be the cause of it - too high of a CV angle.

 

I would have to measure. The kit did include a front different drop as well as a transfer case drop to keep driveline at an OEM angle.

 

So I finally found time to measure my CV angles and they don’t seem extreme at all. The driver side is 6.7 degrees and the passenger side is 6.5 degrees. I don’t think that would be enough to blow the joint. I guess I can check travel with a floor jack and see what I max out at. Maybe the issue lies in the articulation.

 

Which kit did you install? Pics?

 

I did the 4.5” Rough Country kit with the front coilovers added. I can grab some pictures shortly or tomorrow when the lighting will be better.

 

So here are some pictures of my CVs. I threw a Kline angle finder on them to see what they are at. The first one from the front of the passenger side is off as it’s sitting on the metal band that you can see in the picture. So passenger side is
6.5 and the driver is 7.7. Thoughts?

 

It looks like you’re running an aftermarket axle shaft for the driver’s side, which is likely why you’re having problems. OE is expensive but are known to last.

I’ve had a 6” RC lift for the 5 past years / 100K miles. Our lifts are almost identical other than one being taller (same control arm brackets, hardware, and knuckles). I accidentally damaged an OE axle shaft while changing a hub. My biggest mistake was using aftermarket to replace it, as it didn’t take long to fall apart. Then when I re-geared for 37s, the shop threw in a new “HD” shaft from Napa, to replace the first aftermarket shaft. It didn’t last much longer.

After the “Heavy Duty” shaft went south, I replaced it with a new OEM shaft. I haven’t had any problems since. And FWIW, the other axle shaft is the original that came with the truck.

A great alternative are these:
https://www.cvjreman.com/product/95501-tr/

 

I was in a similar boat with my axles. The OEM driver side shaft shit the bed around 90k but after the lift kit was installed. I replaced it with a HD axle from Napa. Shortly after I needed ball joints and in the process of replacing them noticed a hole in the boot. Grabbed another brand online as it was the only thing available at the time and I was preparing the truck for a long road trip with my family. Now it’s been probably 12 months and this one is split wide open. Funny enough I have all 3 axle cores here. Thought about rebuilding them at the rate I was going. Not many places actually sell rebuild kits now though and they definitely don’t sell upgrade parts. CVJ isn’t much cheaper than an OEM new one. Will probably see who can deliver faster.

 

What limits the up travel and prevents bottoming the shocks? Seems like you're missing the bump stops

 

I am missing bump stops as the OEM ones sheared off when I attempted to remove them. I have the ones from RC but never took the time to drill and tap them. The most articulation I see is coming off the curb at the end of my driveway. The truck is primarily used for towing and in the winter when it snows.

 

That unlimited up travel really needs to be properly restricted and that is why RC provided you with the extension spacers. If they weren't needed, they wouldn't be in the kit.

 

I totally get that. I just didn’t put much time aside to resolve the issue. I will be sure to take care of that when I install the new axle.

@PolishedTRD do you have any clicking or popping when you have slow uneven articulation? For me it almost sounds like ball joints but I have serviceable ones and they definitely aren’t bad. I can almost duplicate it every time if I drive slowly off my driveway that has a mountable curb. Wasn’t always there either. Showed up about a year after the lift install.