question about coils

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bluecruiser

bluecruiser

Joined
Jun 26, 2005
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So I am under the truck today trying to figure out this clunking noise. I grab both coils and pull them, shake them, etc.. The passenger side doesn't rattle or move but the drivers side rattles when I shake them. I would think that the weight would not allow that. I can see that the factory rubber gasket type things are above the coils, for insulation, I presume. The gaskets seem to be somewhat out of the position they probably were 200K miles ago, but they are there. Any ideas? Coils have about 80K miles on them, could they be toast? I wouldn't think so, but who knows. Disconcerting issue for me. Thanks.
 
The rear springs carry the weight of the truck (obviously), so to have one rattle would indicate to me that either the shock on that side has seized, or the rear control arms and panhard rod are seized, and what are the odds of that?
 
Brand new shocks and all control arms so I hope that's not the issue, but I understand what you are saying. The clunking happens on entrances from roads into businesses, the type where you go up and over a sidewalk/curb combo or I even hear it on small curbs like driveway. I don't have any issues driving any other time, shocks etc seem and feel normal. I feel like the coil isn't seated right or something. Guess I will check it out some more. Thanks guys
 
Check your sway bar bushings and end link bushings.
 
Double check tightness of the control arm bolts as well.
 
When reading the first post, I assumed the coil rattled when the body/frame was jacked up - with the axle hanging down, as it wouldn't be possible to make the coil rattle with the truck sitting on it.
When reading the replies, it looks like not everyone understand it that way.
Is it really possible to make it rattle with weight on it?

iirc the bottom end of the coil is held in place to avoid rotation; while the top has an even height, with a donut plastic insulator/holder on top and a rubber cone inside.

PS: And yes. I too thought it was about ignition coils... (just another gas guzzler issue:D)
 
I'm checking all the bolts on rear suspension. All sway bushings are new. I actually took the axle side panhard bolt all the way out. Bushing looked okay. Getting the bolt back in was a treat. Thanks for all the recommendations.
 
If I remember correctly you have extended length shocks on your truck. Did you weld some type of retention clip at the bottom to keep the springs from unseating at full droop? You flexed the heck out of it going down the drop off at the Slot on the anza borrego trip. Maybe they aren't seated correctly at the top?

When i fist installed my OME 866 rear springs, i had a clunking/rattling noise from the rear suspension when going over speed bumps. Got under the truck thinking I had a loose shock. Shocks were ok but the passenger side (I think) spring rattled when I whacked it with a rubber mallet. Huh? How could it be loose with the weight of the truck sitting on it?

Got it up on a hoist and we could see where the lower coil was somehow rubbing on the spring perch. It was as if the spring was lifting up as the truck raised up when it contacted the speed bump. Then the clunking sound as the suspension compressed again. So we did two things. First, we made sure the rubber upper spacer was not damaged and was in the proper position. Second, my mechanic put some thick cork backed tape where the coil rubbed the lower spring platform. He wanted to see if this would eliminate the rattle/clunking sound. Not sure what the tape is called but it is about 11/4" wide with black tar like substance on one side and a thin cork layer on the other.

Got it off the hoist and hit every speed bump in and around the shop parking lot. Fast or slow no more noise and it never returned. Prior to the 866 springs I had OME 865's and now slee springs. Never have/had rattling or clunking noises from either of them.

As an aside I also put that tape on the bottom of the high lift jack holder. Really snugged up the fit of the jack base in the holder.

So , check the top rubber thingy for placement and make sure the bottom coil is also in proper position. Look to see if there are any obvious rub marks that may indicate the spring is somehow unseating as the truck goes up in response to hitting the speed bumps. Install retention clips if you don't have them.

Hope this helps Chris.
 
I do have the bottom of the springs retained, but I do think that I will look at replacing the rubber gaskets above the coils. Thanks for the tip on that other stuff, I may try that if nothing else helps with the clunk. Sounds like the "rattling" coil has been spotted before, glad I'm not crazy. Thanks
 
FYI- I run OME866 and 30MM spacers with L shocks. I do not have retainers and have not touched the bumpstops, springs stay fully seated and do not move. This is sitting on bumpstops and shock at full extension.
 
Where are you at with this? Solve the problem?
 
This sounds exactly like the problem I am having. I have isolated it down to the passenger side. I will take a look at all of this over the weekend.

Thanks for bringing this thread back up Richard.
 
Thought it might help.

Get those radflows, I'm interested in them too. But need to figure out new tires first.

You may want to keep that noise a bit longer, may help with the radflow purchase:grinpimp:
 
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