2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Track-Bar "Clunk"

[StephenDelany]

I installed the DSS a couple months ago and seem to have added a "clunk" to the front end in the process. I know this is NOT due to the DSS. It is a very well made piece of gear. I did let the track-bar settle on it's rubber bushings at the top of the vertical links to re-thread the frame for one of the bolt holes that lost it's thread a day after the original install. It said to support the bar during the install which I did,... but I cheated during the 10 minute job on the second day.

What do you think is the most likely fix for this occasional clunk up front (sometimes on firm stops or at take-off I feel it in the steering wheel or in the soles of my feet) without tearing the whole front end to pieces and spending lots of money on shiny, sweet new parts, etc. Sure, I'd like to put a new track-bar, bushings, ball joints, etc. in my baby but the reality of the bank book says NO! I'm pretty sure that is is something to do specifically with the track-bar connection points or something since this is the only thing that was disturbed and it was free of any clunks right up to the install job.

 

[MBreyer]

Interesting you mention this.

I just did the same install. I also like the product, but ended up with more problems after the instalation. Specifically, my steering wanders by it's self & I've got to watch for bumps so as to advoid DW.



I has 1 bolt strip out, and one sheer off (1 damaged per side) on the track bar supports into the frame. I think this is allowing some of the wander, and some os the DW help. It also "clunks" some times as well. The DSS did help with that, but it's still occasionally there.



My plan is to fix the 2 loose bolts by drilling & tapping them out, then re-aligning the front & re-balancing the front tires (Also replacing all 4 shocks).



Sorry for the long post.

I guess my thought for ya is to try & tighten up the loose bolts & see if that helps.



Any one else have a good (better) thought?



~Matt

 

[DOUGMartin]

I have had a intermitnet clunking as well. I can never make it happen when i want it to. Most of the time while breaking almost seems like something is sliding (but not really) then clunk i can hear it and feel it threw the floor boards. Im going to redo the front end soon with a dss new tie rod and such see if that helps. If you find what the caus is please let me know. Thanks Doug

 

[StephenDelany]

Thanks MBreyer,



I am also thinking about a set of 9000x shocks but I'd like to nail down this pesky little clunk first. The rig has got 95K on it and it's time to spend a few bucks or trade-out. I don't think I can't afford a "replacement beast" with the common rail motor (once you go Diesel you never go back... ) new so I have got a wish list of up-grades and mods' and I am starting with this bug.



Just dropped $700. 00 on new tires today so let the games begin!

 

[camnicolson]

Chased the clunk down on mine. It was the bushings(poly in my case) that were worn out on the front ends of the lower track arms. Every time I braked the axle shifted and clunked. New bushes in now and all is good



Cheers,

Cam

 

[MBreyer]

Interesting thought Cam. I'll have my mech check out the bushing on mine.

Fishin: Mine's got 185k & no end in sight



I went with the Bilstein 5100's (From KORE) I'll post when I get them in & installed. Everyone that has them seems to love them.



~Matt