2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission clunking noise

[waldo]

I have a hollow banging noise sometimes coming from what sounds like the rear of the truck. At first I thought it was the spare or the exhaust but all is good and tight. Checked for rub marks and anything else loose, couldn't find a thing. Any help to lead me in the right direction would be great. Thanks





99 4wd Quad cab stock except for guages and tires.

 

[SS]

Waldo - try checking the shock bolts for torque and also the bushing integrity. Seems to me that shocks are the leading cause of clunking noises on vehicles at work. If they are the originals, it's probably time to replace them. Good luck.

 

[WMonroe]

I also have the clunking sound in the rear of my truck. I replaced the rear shocks with new ranchos but still the same sound. I think the problem (on mine at least) is the bushings that go around the rear sway bar where it bolts to the axle tube. My bushings are wore out and the sway bar is a little sloppy in them. I haven't had a chance to get new ones yet so I can't say for sure they are causing the problem, but just another place to check.

Will

 

[SmokinRam]

Same Problem

I have the exact same problem with my 98. I even went as far as removing the shocks and sway bar, and the noise is still there. Sounds like a hollow clunking sound.



I talked to a friend of mine who works for the service department of a local Dodge dealer and he said he recalls a TSB a few years back where they supplied you with rubber type pads and new bolts for the bed. Said it was the bed clunking against the frame.



I have yet to find this TSB and he was unable to dig it up either.



This clunking drives me crazy...



Anyone else know anything about this, please chime in.



Thanks

Andy

 

[BStacy]

Banging Nose

A few weeks ago I was changing tires on the rear of my 99. I noticed that the bolts in the rear mounts for the fifth wheel hitch were put in backward with the end of the bolt and nut out over the spring. This would cause a banging noise when the spring would move it's complete travel. The nut was about wiped guess it had been doing it a while. The spring also had a small groove in it. Turned the bolt so the head was out and the nut and end were on the inside of the frame. Still have some nose back there when going over bumps though seems similiar to what your describing. Good Luck

 

[SS]

Hmmm... talk of TSB's reminded me of one on rear leaf springs for squeaking/clicking noise. Doesn't sound like anybody's description on this thread, but we all have different ears. Ever have your wife/girlfriend describe a noise her vehicle is making? Anyway, click on the TSB button in the menu bar at the top of the page for a description - choose your model year and look under Front Suspension section for a description.

 

[waldo]

I got under the truck with a pry bar looking for the noise, moving everything too see if I could find anything loose. Now noise is gone. I thing it was the bushing on the shocks. Maybe by pry on them it moved alittle, they didn't feel loose. I going to put it on the lift and see if the top shock bolts are loose. I hope that is the problem. I'll let you known how I make out.