betterwithvetter
Bone Stock
Posts:4
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| 10/25/2004 8:07 PM |
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| I have a 2001 3/4 ton chevy HD crew cab that has the torsion bars cranked 4 turns with 16x8 Mickey Thompson rims and 285 bf goods on it. Recently when I turn or am backing out of my driveway I hear and feel a clunk in the front end. I haven't checked my ball joints, which I think it is, are there any other problems anyone can thinks of besides something being loose or bad idler arm? |
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webby4x4
Forum Admin, Magazine Editor
Rock Star
Posts:2375
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| 10/25/2004 10:49 PM |
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If this is happening at full turn of the steering wheel and it's a sound/feel of a "multiple clunk", you might want to check and make sure the tires aren't hitting the frame/shocks/upper arms, etc.
If it's a single clunk, I'd guess it to be the ball joints popping a bit because the torsion bars are cranked up.
Question: does it only happen when the steering wheel is turned, or does it happen when it's straight too?
Rick
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Rick Webster
Editor, 4X4REVIEW.COM - A Tork Media, Inc. Publication
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'74 FJ40 Land Cruiser
"Measure once, cut twice" |
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betterwithvetter
Bone Stock
Posts:4
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| 10/26/2004 9:18 AM |
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| The clunking, or popping as it feels, only happens when I am turning, not fully turning either. When I am going on a smooth surface and I turn it clunks, but hardly at all. I especially notice it when I back out of my driveway onto the street, which there is a little bump where the driveway and street meet. It feels like a double clunk. It doesn't do it when I am traveling straight but when I turn and there are bumps it clunks. It is starting to annoy me. |
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webby4x4
Forum Admin, Magazine Editor
Rock Star
Posts:2375
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| 10/26/2004 9:48 AM |
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let me ask a few folks and get back to you. My gut feelign tells me that you're right, it's likely the ball joints, but it might be something else.
Rick |
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Rick Webster
Editor, 4X4REVIEW.COM - A Tork Media, Inc. Publication
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
'74 FJ40 Land Cruiser
"Measure once, cut twice" |
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betterwithvetter
Bone Stock
Posts:4
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| 10/26/2004 2:55 PM |
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| I need to jack the front end up and shake my tire to see if there is any play in it, then I will know if it is the ball joints, if not, I guess I will have to do some more investigating. It just seems odd, I didnn't think cranking the torsion bars only 4 turns about 6 months ago would cause the ball joints to go bad already. I haven't done any off roading with this truck and it has been babied. Really ticks me off how Chevy can make such a great truck that sits so darn low in the front. |
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webby4x4
Forum Admin, Magazine Editor
Rock Star
Posts:2375
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| 10/26/2004 3:27 PM |
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yeah... Chevy is notorious for the low front, hi back style. Although it could be worse... it could look like the late 90's Dodge Rams with 8 feet of wheel well opening at all four corners. [)]
Still waiting to hear back from a few other folks on what they might think.
Rick |
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Rick Webster
Editor, 4X4REVIEW.COM - A Tork Media, Inc. Publication
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
'74 FJ40 Land Cruiser
"Measure once, cut twice" |
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davidmiddleton
Bone Stock
Posts:18
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| 10/26/2004 5:46 PM |
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| Justin,
How much did the torsion bar adjustment raise the truck? I have a friend who cranked up the tortion bars on his 91 3/4 ton and he started chewing up RF outer CV joints. If it only raised the truck a little it might not be an issue, but if it made a big difference the CV joint may be suspect. This sounds like it may be the case since it primarily happens on turns.
Dave |
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webby4x4
Forum Admin, Magazine Editor
Rock Star
Posts:2375
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| 10/26/2004 10:25 PM |
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Joel Snider, owner of Stage West 4-Wheel Drive Center -- [url]www.stagewest4x4.com[/url] -- suggested it might be either a ball joint wearing out, or possibly a shock that's gone bad.
I remember having a shock go bad myself and having it make a clunking sound as well... was a loooong time ago with an el-cheapo shock, but something worth checking as well.
Rick |
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Rick Webster
Editor, 4X4REVIEW.COM - A Tork Media, Inc. Publication
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
'74 FJ40 Land Cruiser
"Measure once, cut twice" |
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betterwithvetter
Bone Stock
Posts:4
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| 10/27/2004 12:11 PM |
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| I'll have to look at my cv shaft and my shocks. I never thought it would be my shocks, but they are original and cranking the bars lifted the truck a little over an inch stretching out the shocks. I think it is time for some new shocks anyway, maybe some ranchos. I am almost turning 90,000 so perhaps its time. Thanks for all of your input. |
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webby4x4
Forum Admin, Magazine Editor
Rock Star
Posts:2375
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| 10/27/2004 12:27 PM |
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No sweat... i'd be curious to see how it all turns out. Keep us posted and good luck.
Rick |
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Rick Webster
Editor, 4X4REVIEW.COM - A Tork Media, Inc. Publication
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
'74 FJ40 Land Cruiser
"Measure once, cut twice" |
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davidmiddleton
Bone Stock
Posts:18
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| 10/27/2004 7:23 PM |
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| Justin,
Since you only raised the front end only an inch, I wouldn't be very concerned with the cv joints. Just looking to make sure the boots aren't torn should be about all you need to do. I would recommend taking a close look at the ball joints. Another thing that occured to me is that GM had an issue with torsion bar mounts in the early to mid '90s. They came out with a new design in the later half of the '90s that was better, but that also may be something you want to look at. When you travel over an uneven surface the mounts make a popping noise, especially while turning(due to the weight transfer).
Again, just something to think about.
Dave |
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BigBlueChevy
Bone Stock
Posts:22
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| 03/29/2005 7:53 PM |
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| You have to be carefull about using the torsion bars to raise the front up. i had put two rounds into mine and it sent my caster and camber out. i would only use the adjustment to return a factory truck back to specified ride height. |
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Kraig |
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primetimek5
Lift & Lockers
Posts:537
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| 03/30/2005 8:51 AM |
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| A BUDDY DID THE SAME THING & HAD THE SAME NOISE. WE FOUND THE
LUG NUTS HAD TO MUCH STRESS ON THEM & STARTED TO BRAKE ON THE
TWO FRONT WHEELS. NO, THIS IS NOT A JOKE. HE REPLACED THE WHEEL STUDS
& SET IT BACK TO SPECS & NO PROBLEMS NOW.
SO CHECK YOU STUDS FOR STRESS OR THREADS TO PULLED AWAY
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rick p. |
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webby4x4
Forum Admin, Magazine Editor
Rock Star
Posts:2375
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| 03/30/2005 4:49 PM |
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Wow! Great tip... not something I would have thought of, but it does make sense.
Rick |
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Rick Webster
Editor, 4X4REVIEW.COM - A Tork Media, Inc. Publication
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
'74 FJ40 Land Cruiser
"Measure once, cut twice" |
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