2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Another Rancho Problem

[John Berger]

My truck has been making a squeaking sound for a couple of weeks. The noise comes from the front of the truck. I found the culprit and it's my right front Rancho. The shock bolt and nut are tight, but there is a good amount of play. I can grab it and move it and I know that's not normal. You guys need to remember that I was in a wreck last June and a travel trailer did a good job of swaying and pushing my truck around, so much that it ended up sideways with the right rear wheels completely off the ground. I'm wondering if the bushing is bad or the lower control arm could have been stressed to the point that it allows to much slop at the shock mount. The left side shock is fine. I'm figuring a bushing is all that needs to be replaced, but wanted input on that lower control arm. On two occasions since the wreck I have left my shocks set to their tow settings while driving unloaded and I picked up a severe vibration that originated from the front. Adjusting the shocks took care of the problem. A front shock with a bad bushing would explain that vibration. I don't really think it's the control arm, but what would compress a shock bushing enough to give it that much play? TIA



John

 

[B.G. Smith]

Shock

The rubber bushing in the shock is mounted on a tube with serrated or grooved ends, the bolt going through the tube must be tight enough to cause the ends of the tube to dig into the shock mounting plates. The torque on the lower bolt is 105 ft lb for 2w drive and 100 ft pounds for 4w drive. bg