2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Clunking Noise on chassis

[WBraico]

I have this clunking noise under the truck whenever I hit even the slightest bump on the road. I replaced the rear sway bar links with the Max links from Geno's because the old ones were worn out. That took care of half of the noise, but now I can feel something clunking under the truck near the front end. I already checked the front sway bar links and other bushings in the control arms. Did I mention It's 4 wheel drive to.

Im running out of options since I cant find anything loose.



PS Does any body have advise on some good shocks aswell for this truck,I currently have the yellow Bilstiens, which only lasted about a year.

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98. 5 Ram 3500 4x4 sport,Auto trans,3. 54's autometer,sport comp pyro,trans,boost,electric fuel press. w/snubber,warning light/chime. edge comp drag box,2nd VP-44 inj. pump,carter pusher pump,dual fltr. amsoil. Suncoast converter,valvebody,Built by Inglewood Transmission,allum trans pan, Bilstien shocks,westin bars,push bar,custom 5" exhaust,BHAF, Silencer ring is where It's needed(at EX'S House).

 

[dknoch]

Man that could be a lot of things, even a few different things. I just got done chasing a clunk in the front of mine and found the intermediate steering shaft was binding a little and causing a clunk in the steering wheel. I would check the following:

lower shock bolts and bushings, control arm bolts and bushings, track bar and bolts, front drive shaft u-joints, transmission mount, sway bar end links and bushings, ball joints, front axle u-joints.

Basically go under the truck on a creeper and see what you can find that feels loose. That is what I did and finally found it (after I rebuilt the front drive shaft, control arms, track bar, sway bar, replaced the transmision mount). Good luck. Can you get it to duplicate by shaking the truck?

 

[fest3er]

'Slightest bump' is most likely going to be a loose shock absorber lower bolt. They should be tightened to around 110 lb-ft, IIRC.

As to good shocks that won't wear out, KYB Gasajust last a long time. I've had a set on my truck for at least 8 years and 170K miles. They're still almost like new. They're firm, but they aren't 'performance' stiff. If you want even stiffer shocks, try the KYB Monomax.

They're both monotube construction which partly explains their longevity. Also, KYB have been making darned good shocks for many years. I started using them back in the mid-80s. I've never had a KYB Gasajust fail or wear out or even get soft, whether they were regular shocks, strut replacements (for my Formula 350), or strut cartridges (for my 200SX).

When you replace the shocks, examine the bolts. If the shafts seem at all worn, replace them.

 

[JDriscoll]

Probably not worth mentioning in this case, but I spent forever trying to find the source of a "clunk" under my truck. Turned out the spare tire was just loose enought to rattle when I hit a good bump.

 

[Joe Mc]

Mine was in the control arms. Bushings were shot @ 120k I searched up until around 130k and ended up going with 94-02 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 Custom Length Control Arms - Top Gun Customz for the cost ($239 for the Top Gunz) of a few stock bushings that are POS you get complete serviceable bushings, new "tubular" control arms versus stock stamped steel. To me it was a no brainer. Have fun.

 

[BEnglish]

I had a clunk and it was the receiver hitch.

 

[LSchulz]

PS Does any body have advise on some good shocks aswell for this truck,I currently have the yellow Bilstiens, which only lasted about a year.

Ball joints? Carrier bearing? (That was the latest clunk on mine). Have you crawled around underneath the truck and really reefed on everything?

As for shocks, I just went with the KYB Monomax. Summit has decent prices on them.

 

[WBraico]

Thanks Guys, I'm going to go over everything I havn't looked at yet, even if it takes me a week. It's funny how it just started all of a sudden, right under my feet (left front).

PS. On the shocks, Is it worth replacing those Bilstiens or just get better ones?

 

[fest3er]

Thanks Guys, I'm going to go over everything I havn't looked at yet, even if it takes me a week. It's funny how it just started all of a sudden, right under my feet (left front).

PS. On the shocks, Is it worth replacing those Bilstiens or just get better ones?

Right under your feet? It's almost guaranteed to be one of three things:

• Control arm
  
• Lower shock bolt
  
• Track bar
  

Looking, prodding and poking won't do; you can't generate enough force.



You'll need someone to drive while you look at the control arms. Move forward a few inches then slam on the brakes, then move backward a few inches and slam on the brakes. That clunk should be visible (it was with mine).



Engine on or off, have assistant moderately rock the steering wheel 1/4 turn left and right (1/2 turn total) while you look underneath. If it's the track bar, you'll see the motion.



If it's nether of those, cinch down the lower shock bolt to 110 ft-lbs (a good deal more than just snug). You won't be able to statically test this one.



If it's none of those, seek more professional help.

 

[KBrennan]

You might want to check your trany bolts and your exhaust support. I had a clunk and it was from the trany support braket

 

[harrisonm3]

I have a clink that can be felt at the wheel under acceleration or decelleration and especially if your turning at the same time.

New front u joints
Tie rods
Dss

97 auto 4wd

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[JTruelove]

I cant tell from clunk your talking about, but I had a noise too, when I would go over a speed bump and endedup being the inner fender was causing it. Those plastic rivets were loose.

 

[dresslered]

I have the same clunk. I will check it out when I get home. I always thought that the dodge steering shaft was a common culprit and to replace with the Borgesson unit.