Obnoxious Thump when Turning
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 100
Likes: 1
From: Texas
Obnoxious Thump when Turning
I know it's usually pretty difficult to try and type/explain issues going on, but this is my attempt.
I installed the Readylift front level kit with springs, track bar relocate bracket, and Fox 2.0 Reservoirs in the front, as well as the Fox ATS steering shock replacement in October.
Went to 37x12.5x20's early January, and haven't had any issues aside from minor rub on full lock. Alignment is straight, so no issues there.
Well today, as I made turns on and off road, both right and left, I feel and hear a "thump" coming from underneath. I assumed at first it would be the ATS shock, running 37's, but I don't think it's the culprit. I cannot replicate this without driving, so turning the wheel whilst stationary doesn't duplicate the issue.
Any suggestions on where to start? I'm no mechanic by any means, but I got on the garage floor to poke around, and there are no signs of looseness, nor distress.
Thanks in advance.
I installed the Readylift front level kit with springs, track bar relocate bracket, and Fox 2.0 Reservoirs in the front, as well as the Fox ATS steering shock replacement in October.
Went to 37x12.5x20's early January, and haven't had any issues aside from minor rub on full lock. Alignment is straight, so no issues there.
Well today, as I made turns on and off road, both right and left, I feel and hear a "thump" coming from underneath. I assumed at first it would be the ATS shock, running 37's, but I don't think it's the culprit. I cannot replicate this without driving, so turning the wheel whilst stationary doesn't duplicate the issue.
Any suggestions on where to start? I'm no mechanic by any means, but I got on the garage floor to poke around, and there are no signs of looseness, nor distress.
Thanks in advance.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 100
Likes: 1
From: Texas
If not, I can just manually unlock them... right? counter-clockwise turn.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 203
Likes: 49
From: Black Diamond, WA
If you turn tight on dry pavement with the hubs locked in (Not in 4WD) you will hear a clunk turning at full lock.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 100
Likes: 1
From: Texas
If you look at the Hub it says either "Lock" or "Auto" . Flip it to Auto, 4WD will still work. Basically the "Lock" Is for when you will be in deep snow/sand/mud and the truck may over-power the Vacuum Hubs. (Someone can correct me if I am wrong on this).
If you turn tight on dry pavement with the hubs locked in (Not in 4WD) you will hear a clunk turning at full lock.
If you turn tight on dry pavement with the hubs locked in (Not in 4WD) you will hear a clunk turning at full lock.
I am in 4wd every other day, so I'm mainly just surprised this became a thing haha
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,644
Likes: 689
You can easily check to see if your hubs are locked or unlocked when in 2WD. If unlocked, the short drive shaft to the wheel will turn easily by hand. If its locked, you won't be able to turn it. Can also observe while truck is moving. If the short drive shafts are not turning, hubs are not locked. Hope this helps.
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 341
Likes: 87
From: DFW
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Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 100
Likes: 1
From: Texas
Didn't have the issue on my 30 minute drive, until I was pulling onto the job site, and hit some bumps off road, in 2wd. I swapped to 4H, then back to 2, and it happened again upon leaving on said bumps.
Does this perhaps just take some time to disperse? Interesting how it has a mind of it's own.
Thanks again!
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,563
Likes: 533
From: DFW
Maybe check the shocks & mounting points? Also, it may be coming from the rear - and the spring packs may need to be lubed. My truck was annoyingly “thumping” and I replaced the shocks (not to get rid of the thump, but just to upgrade) and had the spring packs lubed in the back (at my local alignment shop) and she’s smooth as glass now.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 100
Likes: 1
From: Texas
Sort of reviving my own thread with some findings.
The noises/feelings were gone for a few weeks, entirely. I work out the 4wd system (work truck as well) about 2-3 times a week, so unsure on if that's related or not.
Nothing physically is/was wrong. I noticed a tiny bit of grease on the Fox steering shock, but I wiped clean, and it hasn't been back.
However, this morning on the drive to the office, I had it come back on mostly left-hand turns.. and it's been pouring rain here in Texas since yesterday morning, temps in the 40's.
Thoughts? I've been debating on the need for the dual stabilizer, so that could potentially be a fix (in my mind). Thanks again.
The noises/feelings were gone for a few weeks, entirely. I work out the 4wd system (work truck as well) about 2-3 times a week, so unsure on if that's related or not.
Nothing physically is/was wrong. I noticed a tiny bit of grease on the Fox steering shock, but I wiped clean, and it hasn't been back.
However, this morning on the drive to the office, I had it come back on mostly left-hand turns.. and it's been pouring rain here in Texas since yesterday morning, temps in the 40's.
Thoughts? I've been debating on the need for the dual stabilizer, so that could potentially be a fix (in my mind). Thanks again.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,952
Likes: 876
From: Montana
Have you checked your ball joints? Also, the skocks were mentioned before. Did you make sure the mounts are tight? With a lift installed, I'd really look at spring mounts, track bar mounts, etc.
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 341
Likes: 87
From: DFW
The more I think about this, it may be the drag link adjustment sleeve hitting the sway bar. I had issues with this when I 1st did my lift. A good way to check this is put a piece of duct tape on the bottom of the sway bar, drive it around, specifically turning left while pulling into a driveway, etc. If they're contacting each other, the tape will be torn.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 4,064
Likes: 13
Throwing a dual stabilizer, or any stabilizer for that matter is not a true fix. The source of the problem needs to be found, not masked. Do you have your stock steering stabilizer? If you do, you could throw that on to try and rule out the FOX. I didn't read through the whole thread, but has an alignment shop gone through the front end, looking for any worn out items?