Hey guys, After I got my 5 inch lift and 35`s I started to hear a very light popping sound on the road as the tires go around at low speeds. I thought it was the mud tread but not its became a really loud popping at all speeds and I can feel it popping. What do you guys think? A wheel bearing? I got under there and all the front end stuff is all tight. No rubbing or wore places.

Thanks

 

bump please

 

I would guess axle u-joints.

 

That is what caused my popping......broken cup and had lost needle bearings.

 

86k miles and my u joints were absolutely garbage along with my wheel bearings, upper and lower ball joints. Point is, if you are going in there to change the u joints, I would have everything on hand for replacement. It would not be fun to have to tear it all apart a few months down the road.

 

Thanks for the replys. This does not sound fun.

 

So I went to my local shop. I know the owner and other main guy there. When I got the lift put on it put the drive shaft at such a hard angle that the U-joint in the drive shaft is rubbing as the drive shaft turns. They are going to fix it thursday by grinding something down just a bit in the u-joint.

Anyone else ever heard of this on our trucks?

 

I've never heard of grinding anything to make it fit... usually you can clock the transfer case down or put a spacer in to lessen angle. Did these guys do the lift for you? Are they familiar with lifted trucks? Doesn't sound like it to me.

 

You may need a custom shaft with a CV joint in stead of a U-joint, because of the extreme angle from the lift.

 

May I suggest you have them show you what they are talking about and post some pics here to see if anyone can make sence of it. From your description it sounds like an axel u joint. Not that hard to replace with the right tools and knowledge.

 

one thing to think about. when the truck is on the lift that axle is going to drop lower then the normal ride height. so in return the joint is going to be at greater angle then normal. Not saying it isnt the problem. just try to look at things when axle is at normal ride height. put the front axle on jack stands and go from there

 

Could the cleats on the tires be grabbing the tip of the front air dam? Mine do and they make a small popping like noise as it flicks past them.

 

Well the problem has been found. As you guys said it was not the drive shaft.

Every single joint in the front end is SHOT! Ball joints, U-joints, tie rod ends. You name it, it`s shot. The guy at the shop showed me everyone of them and they are in fact shot. Getting them all replaced. Thanks for all the replys. I can`t believe that a truck with 73k miles on it could have every joint wore out like this. I got it at 71k so I guess the last owner beat the hell out of it.

EDIT: I just talked to the shop and everything is costing me $930.00

That`s after giving me a break on labor and parts because they know me. This place is the best shop in this part of the state. All the local law enforcement, EMS and fire departments get there work done there.

 

What about your wheel hubs? That price seems way too low to include hubs which will probably be destroyed once they get em' off.

 

I picked it up a few hours ago. They did not have to replace the hubs. They was able to get them off and back on with out any problems.

EDIT: It`s drives way way better than it ever has since I got it. The steering never did feel just right to me but was unsure why since this was my first cummins. I was only used to 1500 dodges since that`s all I had ever had or drove. The steering feels the way it should now. Solid. No play/slack. Allot of money spent (to me anyway) but I like the end product.