Jmac

Since the install of the Tuffcountry 2" leveling kit 2 weeks ago. My mileage has gone down almost 2 mpg and I have a popping noise from somewhere on the front end. Sounds like something is binding up. I did get a front end alignment same day as the leveling kit install.
They set the camber at max around 5.2.

Need help on this

Jamie

nonford

I had the same problem on mine, not from a lift but the new shocks. As I suspected, the bushings/grommet's were chewed up and the metal washer was resting on the frame. What I did, was remove what was left and re-installed the factory bushings/grommet's. My clink/clang/thump/pop were all gone Another thing you may want to check is to see if the three bolts that hold down the shock housing that sits on top of the coil are all torqued down (100 ft lbs). Hope this helps you...

On another note, I know the manual specifies to make sure that the coil be returned to its original location. You had to make sure that they were marked before you removed the coil and then line them markings back up. One of my friends was not returned to the correct location and his had the same symptoms as yours. Thought I'd throw that in as well.

Jmac

thanks, Coils were marked and in the right location. The three bolts that hold the shock tower in place were tightened as hard as I could get them. The top shock nut is definitly in question. might have grommet problems.

thanks a lot

Jamie

Jmac

Update, took my truck to Alied Discount Tire where I had the Alignment done. they tightened the bolts on the shock towers and applied grease to the stearing bump stops on the wheel housing. problem solved so far

Jamie

Jmac

binding noise is still there everything has been double checked and retightened. Only thing I can think of is that to get enough space to reinstall the spring and spacer on the passenger side (we did each side separately) we used a small bottle neck jack between the axle and frame to push the two open. could we have bent something (ball joint at the steering box) causing the binding popping noise. Oh one other the caster is set at max at 5.2 (Allied tire did this during the front end alignment, could this cause it)

the binding/popping noise happens mostly when turning sharp to the left at idle speed.

need some advise, anyone.

Jamie

nonford

I've heard alot of folks had problems after they install the leveling kit. Kind off put me off doing it to mine. Here are some of those posts...

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...hlight=popping

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...hlight=popping

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...hlight=popping

They all seem to point to the track bar too. Good luck. Hopefully you find it.

hoot

Yep same here.... sometimes I get a loud cracking sound on a hard turn. I'll be keeping an eye out. I know my shocks are too short for one.

Jmac

Well based on Nonford's post I just tightened the snot out of the passenger track arm bolt. I think I need a cheater bar. It helped now the only noise I get is backing up with my wheels towards the right. happened backing up in my driveway after successfull test drive

Jamie

Jmac

I just put approx 160 ft/lbs on that bolt with a large Craftsman Torque wrench!!!! I couldn't push any harder. If that doesn't do it I don't know what will.!!!!!

Jamie

WhiteSport600

It is definitely in the trac bar. Mine did it too. There is just a touch of play in it from the factory but once you change something in the alignment it usually comes out. Just tighten the holy livin crap out of it until it quits... That's all I had to do.

Jmac

Thanks, I did.

Jmac

Talked with a retired mechanic of 30+ years. He said the noise could also be the track arms (2 on each side). He said they will sound off with turning if they go bad or if some bombing freak tries to lift the front of his truck 2" and accidentally bends them

Jamie

hoot

Just checked my Revtek studs.... one is broke.

They are sending me a new kit but I think since I'm tearing it apart again I'll go with the Kore Pace setup... New springs and Bilstiens for $350.