Clunking noise

[sdhobbs]

My truck has this clunking/clanking noise and i'm not sure what is the cause. Sounds like metal hitting metal. Doesn't do it on the street, we were on a mild trail today and It was doing it a lot mostly going down hill. I took these videos
Clunking noise - YouTube
Clunking noise 2 - YouTube

I have about 15k on my lift, and it drives great, but this noise is worrying me.
Any ideas?

 

[swimmerdude1127]

My truck has this clunking/clanking noise and i'm not sure what is the cause. Sounds like metal hitting metal. Doesn't do it on the street, we were on a mild trail today and It was doing it a lot mostly going down hill. I took these videos
Clunking noise - YouTube
Clunking noise 2 - YouTube

I have about 15k on my lift, and it drives great, but this noise is worrying me.
Any ideas?

Still have the sway bar installed? Check the middle of the sway bar for contact with the skid plate support brackets. Check to see if the bracket spacers (basically just thick washers) were installed.

Or, if you think it might be your sway bar, remove it altogether (either permanently or to diagnose it). Hope this helps.

EDIT TO ADD: I'm talking about the front sway bar only.

 

[sdhobbs]

Ya I do have the front sway bar installed, I checked but didn't see any contact. Not technically savvy enough to remove the sway bar, but I will try and see if the noise is coming from there, thanks!

 

[swimmerdude1127]

Ya I do have the front sway bar installed, I checked but didn't see any contact. Not technically savvy enough to remove the sway bar, but I will try and see if the noise is coming from there, thanks!

The front is super easy to remove and re-install. It should only take you 20 minutes tops. Just keep track of all the hardware and what goes where so you know how to put it back in after --- or just go without it

BTW, I'm assuming you DON'T have KDSS. If you do, I'm not familiar with it at all so maybe someone else can chime in.

 

[Jeremy556]

The front is super easy to remove and re-install. It should only take you 20 minutes tops. Just keep track of all the hardware and what goes where so you know how to put it back in after --- or just go without it

BTW, I'm assuming you DON'T have KDSS. If you do, I'm not familiar with it at all so maybe someone else can chime in.

You can disconnect it easy and let it swing down if just testing. 2 bolts at each LCA. Another 4 bolts would remove it completely, but you would want to put in a ratchet strap or something around the KDSS piston on the driver's side.

 

[sdhobbs]

Turns out my front LCA bolts were loose. I tightened then up to 100ft lbs like the guys from the FJ cruiser forum suggested and no more noise. I'm amazed how quiet my suspension is now, other squeaks are gone now too.

 

[Jeremy556]

Turns out my front LCA bolts were loose. I tightened then up to 100ft lbs like the guys from the FJ cruiser forum suggested and no more noise. I'm amazed how quiet my suspension is now, other squeaks are gone now too.

*129 ft lb

 

[sdhobbs]

*129 ft lb

Really, then they were very loose. Is it ok to do tighten while the truck is on the ground not jacked up?

 

[Jeremy556]

Really, then they were very loose. Is it ok to do tighten while the truck is on the ground not jacked up?

Yes, in fact they should only be tightened with the wheels on the ground.

 

[gm350reratliff]

If your LCA bolts were loose, it's very likely that your alignment has also moved and is no longer correct. I would get that checked ASAP so you don't ruin your tires.