Strange drive-train/suspension problem...

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Aug 14, 2018 | 09:24 AM

L-ight

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Strange drive-train/suspension problem...

So I am not sure if I am hearing things or it has been like this since I have driven the truck (2.5 years now). When I drive over not so flat surface I can hear my suspension/drive-train thump a lot more. It's coming from the front end. I want to say it could possibly be a bad hub bearing? It's as if the suspension is bottoming out as well. That is the closest I can describe it. No suspension mods or drive-train mods either. 95k miles.

Aug 14, 2018 | 09:40 AM

papadave

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with that many miles i would suspect sway bar links first, but all of the front end should be inspected. Ball joints, broken shock / shock mount, tie rod ends, could be causing the noise.

Aug 14, 2018 | 09:57 AM

timmyboy76

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Goin out my driveway, transitioning onto blacktop, my truck feels as though the cab n bed are seperating from the frame..i fixed the front by removing the swaybar. 3x around with replacing endlinks, i finally found a permanent solution

Aug 14, 2018 | 10:00 AM

U9000

Tuned

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While you're replacing the end links, go ahead and replace the sway bar bushings too. They will make a pretty good noise as they get soft.

Aug 14, 2018 | 10:44 AM

L-ight

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I will get under later this week and take a few pics and post them. I will also try to see if I can move any parts to see if they have play in them. None of them should have play, right?

Aug 14, 2018 | 11:16 AM

papadave

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I'd say that's correct, sort of. End links can be checked on the ground. look for torn/squished bushings, but everything else the truck must be lifted off the ground. Keep in mind your have a heavy truck so be safe. Once you're lifted off the ground use leverage /pry bar to check for movement in ball joints and tie rods, and bearings.

Aug 14, 2018 | 02:07 PM

U9000

Tuned

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And the swaybar bushings can feel tight until you've got 5K# of vehicle pushing against them. They're not that expensive and at 15years old, assuming they're original, they will need replacing.

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Sep 10, 2018 | 08:04 AM

L-ight

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Update:

I found the problem. It was the front passenger shock lower mounting rubber grommet. It is pretty much gone. The shock is just dancing around on the bolt making that weird thumping noise I would hear. Order 4 new Bilstein 4600s. When replacing the shocks I don't need to remove my wheels or jack the truck up, do I?