Archived Front end CLUNK

[DDT]

I have a clunk and located it at the bottom of the front left coil spring. It has play while going over bumps in the road. Worse when pulling loaded bumber hitch trailers. Has any one had this problem, Is my shocks bad? They are factory with 133K on them.

Open for ideas.

 

[RankRam]

With that kind of mileage it's time for shocks.



As for the clunk I'm 99% sure the bottom bolt on each of the shocks needs to be tightened down. They require alot of torque or they can clunk or rattle.



I hope this helps.

 

[DDT]

OK, I know this has been discussed before but stock shocks at auto parts work fine? I do have a dually, work and daily driver. any better than others. Would it be a good idea to replace all 4 at once?

 

[RankRam]

Yes I would change all four for sure.



Did you try tightening the bottom bolt to see if that was indeed the source of the noise? That bolt needs to be very tight.

 

[crabman]

DDT,

From the Chrysler Shop manual for my 95, the torque specs for the front shocks are:

Lower=100 ft. /lbs

Upper 3 nuts =55 ft/lbs

Upper grommet & retainer=30 ft/lbs



Rear Shocks:

Lower Nut=100 ft/lbs

Upper Nut=70 ft. lbs

Check the torque specs for your year as they might be different but they are still quite higher that one would assume.

crabman

 

[DDT]

Thanks for the tips guys, I will check them out. I figure I might as well replace the shocks since I plan on keeping the truck. I called auto parts and priced shocks. I was told for the heaver trucks they use a new one that is oil filled (like the old ones but better) They are suppose to last longer than gas with a heavy engine. They are $50 each. The HD gas one was over $60. Any thoughts, buying shocks is like buying tires, you want the one that fits your needs, and since this only the second time in my life for shocks I want the right ones.