Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Suspension Noise

[sevobuck]

Recently I have been hearing a loud popping or cracking noise from the rear of my truck when crossing terrain that is not all one level. For example when crossing a ditch at a skewed angle. Anyone else have this problem? Thanks!

 

[tarussell]

I have heard some real disturbing noises when the truck gets flexed when off-road. Afterwards I get out and check the body to bed lines to see if anything is out of wack. All the braces and rivits and welds look good under the truck, I think that it might be the bed flexing while under stress. I could be wrong but everything else looks good and it only happens when I am in a ruff enough spot to lift a tire off of the ground. I guess axle attriculation is not the strong point of a H. D. truck and something has to flex. Just my opinion, Thomas

 

[emjay]

Could be either the spring leaves sticking or the spring shackle bushings are dry. You might try a little grease where the ends of the spring leaves come in contact. Sometimes, there are plastic pads at the contact point. Perhaps they have worn out or rotted away.



On the other hand, frame flexing can possibly make noises like that , too. Have you checked for frame cracks?



My '55 Willys CJ5 has urethane leaf spring bushings that creak and croak all the time. I just ignore it