2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission thump from right front end

[shendren]

when i go over a bump sometimes i hear a thud from the right front end as it feels like the tire is on a down stroke from the shock. the shock bolts seem tight. relatively new track bar, & steering stabilizer. any thoughts as to what this may be? thanks. scott.

 

[Briar Hopper]

The most common cause seems to be a worn bushing on the bottom shock mount. No matter how tight the bolt appears to be, it won't prevent the "thump", as the shock can still move around.

Happened to me, and two other trucks I know of.

 

[LSMITH]

I have had the same thing happen, it will take you about 15 minutes to get the shock out and check the bushing out. Another 15 to re-install it. I have also had OEM shocks with a "dead spot" in them. What I mean by that there is some freeplay before any damping takes place. That will make a rather loud thump as well, and take the bushing out as well.



Get rid of the OEM shocks if you have not already done so. Get some good aftermarket shocks with poly bushings.

 

[shendren]

these are rancho 9000's put in less than a year ago??

 

[Briar Hopper]

It's not unheard of, for shocks that new to go bad. But it's still more likely the bushing. The Rancho's we used to install at Off Road Birmingham, we'd toss the rubber bushings in the corner, and use Energy Suspension polyurethane bushings. I'd also recommend an Energy Suspension bushing for the axle end of your track bar.

 

[EShaw]

Scott,

Check your right front cab mount bolt... ... ... . mine wasn't tightened down... ... ... it met torque specs but, wasn't bottomed out..... hence the thud... ... ... . Let us know.

Eric

 

[greendragon]

front end noise

Check to make sure shock is mounted in the right place. My right front shock, bottom part, had been missed by the bolt. The bolt tighten and the mount bent, kind of holding the shock in place and I would get a loud thump once in a while. Only found it when replacing OEM with Ranchos. Made a difference

 

[greyghost]

Shim it

I had the same problem with my rancho's too. Went to ACE and go some brass sleeves that fit over new bolts and in the steel insert in the shock mount. It was kind of a tight fit but no more thud up front.

My bud had the same problem on his 01 and he took a shorter aproach and put the steel insert in the shock mount in a vise and crimped the end slightly. Making it out of round. No more thud either.





Garrett

 

[EShaw]

Scott,

Did you find out what your thud was yet?

Eric

 

[MidwestMotorman]

Check the end links on your front sway bar. Bounce the front end by pushing down on the bumper. You can watch the end links move without too much efforts. See if the attachment bolts are tight and that they don't make the noise. The usually make a "clacking" type noise.



Another spot to check is the tie bar in front of the radiator. If that upper bolt is loose, you will get a big bang sound.

 

[shendren]

everything seems tight. ? i will probably pull the shock out and check the bushing. .