Big Red 97'

After putting my Top Gun Customz 2" leveling kit on my truck im noticing some odd noises. When im driving along now on smooth or rough roads there is a popping sound and a thumping under my drivers floor board. It is not consistent and there is no rythm to the popping or thump. I dont think it is anything major but the sound and feeling bothers me. The truck still drives as it did before i installed the leveling kit. So what do you guys think. Anyone ever had these sort of problems before. Any insight will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Vance

Harold-Pacbrake

often times when adding the leveing kit your shocks will need to be replaced with slightly longer ones. I've had a few that would make the thumping feeling your discribing.

Big Red 97'

So your saying that it coud be the shocks trying to extend past their maximum length? It said a 2" kit didnt need longer shocks. Will it hurt to drive the truck with this popping?

dieseldave95

I Just Put A 2 Leveling Kit On 3 Weeks Ago It Is The Shocks. I Had The Same Exact Thing Happen To Me Even Though It Said New Shocks Wernt Needed. Just Look For Rancho Shocks Or Something Similar That Supports 0-3 In Lift

blk96

my 97 did the same thing even after i replaced shocks, track bar and sway bar end links. what you also want to check and what fixed mine is grab the streering shaft that attaches to the steering box and wiggle it if there is play in it that could be your problem and what i did is weld the slip joint under the rubber boot thats where the play comes from. there was a TSB from dodge about this and they have like a little kit so you can grease it but i just welded mine and have had no more clunking.

SIXSLUG

You also may be experiencing the pop from the increased angle of the tie rod at the pitman arm. The 2" kit on my truck made this really steep on the tie rod end so I got an inverted pitman arm from tough country. It puts the tie rod end under the arm instead of over it.

Kurt

Big Red 97'

Are these various problems that have been mentioned going to hurt my truck or am i ok. If im ok, then i can just deal with the clunk if not then i will go about fixing it.

Swarthy Dago

you can lead em to water but ya can't make em drink

nickg

first double check the lower shock mount bolts they might seem tight but most times the bolt cannot squeeze the steel brackets on the shock bushing, use a screwdriver to reach in and try to lift the shock body, if it moves the bolts are not tight enough, sometimes you have to hit the meatal around the bolt to tighten the bolt more.

rattlerbob5.9

Very true Joseph - but then why do they always ask for a drink ??

Bluedually4x4

Never had problems with mine. I also needed longer shocks, for some reason the factory ones where 4 inches longer than the Rancho equivalent at full extension.

SIXSLUG

I 2nd the shock bolt also. My factory shocks seemed the same as the replacements as far as length went.

The pitman issue on my rig was pretty obvious. I am surprised more guys haven't had to get a flipped arm after installing the levelling kit. Mine also tore two dust boots off before I replaced it, it was binding that much!

Kurt

Swarthy Dago

I've done this mod and didn't need new pitman arm, makes me wonder. Anyways, look at the lower metal shock bushing, if you can move that lower shock end around, change that bushing to where it is so long that you have to hammer it in position to accept the bolt, that was my problem.