[a t l a s]

For the most part, the rig is quiet and relatively free of squeaks.

There are some noises coming from the exterior of the truck though that I'm having trouble diagnosing.

The first one has been happening for awhile. It seems to be coming from the front driver side, and happens when going over small imperfections in the road. Sounds like a light "chuckle" like metal/plastic rubbing against each other (not grinding).

Second one happens over rough rocky terrain, and also sounds like front driver. It sounds like play in tolerances or like some bolts that are holding something big, like a skid plate, are loose. I've already double checked every bolt underneath the front end, at least the ones that I have fastened myself (with red loctite in most cases). Just a guess, but could this be a symptom of a bad needle bearing that I've been reading about? Perhaps this sound is linked to the first one, and is only more pronounced due to the terrain?

Third one is new and sounds like rear driver. It happens when I'm going relatively slow (10mph-ish) and turning right. Sounds like something is crunching when the rear spring compresses, but only loud enough to hear in the cabin when the radio is completely off.

I was away on a trip last weekend and will be this weekend as well, so I admittedly haven't had time to really devote to thorough troubleshooting. I know strange noises are hard to pinpoint, especially when speculating on a forum, but I'm hoping some of these descriptions match some of what you may have experienced and I can be pointed in the right direction.

[97BlackAckCL]

The needle bearing is pretty easy to diagnose. It's a grinding sound in the front driver's side area, but if you put the truck in 4WD the grinding sound goes away. The needle bearing sound drove me insane until I got it replaced, definitely a good place to start.

[a t l a s]

Originally Posted by 97BlackAckCL

The needle bearing is pretty easy to diagnose. It's a grinding sound in the front driver's side area, but if you put the truck in 4WD the grinding sound goes away. The needle bearing sound drove me insane until I got it replaced, definitely a good place to start.

Hmm maybe it isn't that then. It's not really a grinding sound, and it definitely still happens in 4wd. Sounds more like a gap between two metal components that clunks around going over rocks/rough terrain.

[Tejas]

I have a clicking noise coming from the rear when I am backing up and stopping to move forward again, it's annoying but I have yet to dive deeper into investigating it. Valve ticks, mysterious engine whine, these are rather noisy vehicles lol.

[mlnhtrang]

i think we both have the same noise. with the music off and cruising around 30-40 mph, i get a slight rattle on the left side dash area. havent really figured out what it is but its there.

[The_Green_Wang]

Possibly the engine inner liner or can be the muffler metal cover as well banging against stuff.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[FrenchToasty]

Your truck seems modded out pretty well, you might have to accept new noises and live with it. More often than not I end up finding something in the cup holder or in the arm rest making the noise that’s been driving my crazy for weeks. We also have kids so there are noise makers everywhere!
Engine skirt holding tabs as others have mentioned, can make weird noises. I solved one by adjusting the two hood bumpers outwards, they were making a weird metal creek noise. I’ve had to lube the steering colum where it goes thru the firewall, was making a weird moan and groan while turning in the driveway

[rsimi72]

As others are suggesting, check the engine splash guards in the wheel well. This is a common noise and can be reproduced by wiggling the engine splash guard/liner. And it can be silenced easily if that’s your problem. Lots of info and pics on the forum.

[a t l a s]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I'll look into them.

And yeah, I've prepared myself for various squeaks and noises, but the second and third sounds seem like they could lead to some sort of failure so they're a little more concerning. Hopefully they're nothing major.

Keep the ideas coming if you have them!

[Jivewalker]

Slight wear in sway bar bushings will cause knocks/rattles/clunks over slight road imperfections at low speeds.

Spare tire chain will rattle.

Loose liner bolts / screws.

those are my guesses. Good Luck!