Drive train clunk - Page 15

*Titan_TX* · 12-29-2004, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M1keBusa

I just finished installing these on my KC 4x4 non off-road, I had no clearance problem and install was very easy due to the use of a lift. My only question is the rivets that comes with them. I was wondering if anyone used these or just left them out. Also for the front bracket, the 9/16 bolt had two nuts, what is the purpose of those too, I installed one nut in the middle of the bracket and one nut on the outside. As clearance, I have no problem. I took it out for a test drive and took the same corner I take home everyday from the base and felt good. No more bouncy rear end, it actually took it all the way with one tire slip, but that could be due to the hard acceleration. I am happy with this less than 25 bucks mod. Thanks.

I am considering removing them, because I think my ride got more rough. How about you?

37L1 · 12-29-2004, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M1keBusa

I just finished installing these on my KC 4x4 non off-road, I had no clearance problem and install was very easy due to the use of a lift. My only question is the rivets that comes with them. I was wondering if anyone used these or just left them out. Also for the front bracket, the 9/16 bolt had two nuts, what is the purpose of those too, I installed one nut in the middle of the bracket and one nut on the outside. As clearance, I have no problem. I took it out for a test drive and took the same corner I take home everyday from the base and felt good. No more bouncy rear end, it actually took it all the way with one tire slip, but that could be due to the hard acceleration. I am happy with this less than 25 bucks mod. Thanks.

The "rivets" are a method for increasing tension but you won't need them for this application.

The second nut is a lock nut that goes on the opposite side of the bracket to tighten up against.

honeykeeper · 12-29-2004, 10:28 PM

Well it's now day #2 without the spring/clamps......and again I just forgot that they were not on......The ride is excellent with the stock set-up for me...Corners are fine at high speed..and plenty of room for the Super-Z-Cables too!!!

5/04 SEKC Pearl White 4 x 4 Off Road with Big Tow and E-loc..Popular Package, Bench Seat and Sweet Thumbshifter..ARE Z shell..OEM bug/rock deflector, mud gaurds, rubber mats, Utilitrac with Lower Sliding Tray, White Knight Backup Lights, 75-140 Valvoline Synthetic In Rear Differential Front is next!

*Titan_TX* · 12-30-2004, 05:14 PM

I removed the clamps today, glad I did, one bolt somehow bent itself. The one that goes over the top of the leaf springs. Dunno how that happened. Anyways, it now rides about 5x smoother than it did. They are definitely staying off.

lowlypawn · 01-09-2005, 10:51 PM

If i had money to burn I would love to try these!

http://www.classicperform.com/produc...ction-Bars.htm

lowlypawn · 01-09-2005, 10:54 PM

Or these!

http://www.4x4review.com/products/su...action-bar.asp

honeykeeper · 01-10-2005, 07:13 AM

So far...haven't missed them a bit.....it's history now!!! To the attic they go with the K&N that I never used!! I haven't seen any proof here that axle wind-up is the cause of the clunk.....and wonder if the ABLS system is just pumping up and making that sound at slow speeds?????

Troy · 01-12-2005, 02:15 AM

Jet... You are my hero!!! I haven't installed the bars yet, but based on all the replies... this is bound to fix the problem for me. It drives me crazy!

YOU ROCK!!!

honeykeeper · 01-12-2005, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Troy

Jet... You are my hero!!! I haven't installed the bars yet, but based on all the replies... this is bound to fix the problem for me. It drives me crazy!

YOU ROCK!!!

Let us know if it solves your problem instantly......or if it is the ABLS system pumping up!! Good luck...Peace-Tom

Coffe & Baileys

Troy · 01-13-2005, 01:31 AM

Will do...

titanized · 01-14-2005, 11:04 AM

Just finished all 15 pages of posts/replies, and it seems the helper springs are more beneficial to those with out the O.R. pkg. I plan to try this due to the fact I have the occasional clunk when accelerating and breaking, and I do not have the O.R. pkg.

I have one question that I didn't see answered. Maybe I missed it, but if install the helper spring in front of the axle like all have done, will there be any problems, or have anybody had any problems when the truck is loaded close to the payload capacity (around 1000-1200 lbs.)??

taibo · 01-24-2005, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JetTech

ok all, let me see if I can explain this without confusing myself and everyone else. I'll attach a few photos and give a brief description of each one and then try to summarize it the best I can so here it goes.

The pic below is a depiction of an axle mounted below the leaf springs (like on the Titan) in a static condition.

This is a picture of what happens to the leaf spring during acceleration more commonly known as axle wind-up, or axle wrap. The nose of the vehicle would be to the right of the picture to help you visualize what's happening.

Many manufacturers have this same problem, common cures are traction bars or ladder bars for off roaders and racers. Usually it's not as noticeable as it is in the Titan, Nissan should have used either thicker main springs or a multi-link suspension to help cure this but I'm sure cost was the biggest factor.

What your looking at are $22 helper springs I bought from Advance Auto Parts. I installed them in front of the axle instead of the rear like most would do. During acceleration this big beefy spring will transmit the twisting motion of the axle to the front of the spring where the attach bushing is. I've had these installed for several months now and will never take them off, that's how much I like them. They eliminated all the clunking noises I would hear from the axle twisting up and down during acceleration and when I came to a stop.

Another benefit I've noticed is they really work like traction bars because I can barely spin my tires now at take-off, but it feels like the front end is going to come off the ground.

It transmits all but a few percent of the torque directly into the chassis rather than leaving it on the ground in the form of burnt tires.

The Nissan Tech took some photos of what I did and sent them to their engineering department in California. He loves the fix but agrees that Nissan will never approve such an item for axle wind-up and that it will probably take eons before the issue is seriously looked at. So that's it in a nutshell. It fixes all the clunking for $22 and doesn't negatively effect the ride at all. As a matter of fact I can really feel a positive difference in corners, the truck stays much flatter and feels much more solid when the corners get bumpy.

I would love to stick around and see what you all think but it's night night time for me......4:30am comes early and I've still got a heck of a honey-do list. I'll check back in tomorrow night and try to answer any questions you all might have.

Dale

no offense to other posters, but jettech's post has got to be one of the most valuable postings in history...

i followed a link to this old thread, and after reading all of the feedback on the helper springs when out and bought a set and installed them this weekend. i heard the clunk once or twice, but wanted to get the purported handling improvements.

in addition to the titan i own a bimmer and audi both with factory sport suspension. the titan w helper's installed is not precisely german sports sedan class.... but it feels firm and supple like it's german brothers.... takes turns much flatter and faster than it used to, rear wheel traction accelerating out of turns is vastly improved, the ride is less bouncy especially over high-speed washboard freeways (used to get nauseous rolling down california's freeways), and body roll is significantly reduced. and i love the new flatter stance... rear end is 1/2" to 1" lower at the rear wheel and 1 1/2" to 2" at the tailgate, i think. (dog loves it too. shorter height to jump from!)

it's really amazing!!! and for about $30, it's the best investment i've EVER made for a bolt-on accessory, scratch that... best value of ANY accessory i've ever bought, bolt-on or not.

i'm wondering if the mechanism for the miracle is as simple as the helpers flattening or compressing the rear leafs, stiffening the ride somewhat. as if there where more payload in the cargo bay. i can't figure it out, but whateever it is thank you JETTECH!!!!

every titan out there should install these helpers... heck Nissan should send them out as factory equipment (or package them up as a $2000 sport suspension option).

-taibo

ensclark · 01-29-2005, 11:42 AM

Before I go get these, has any one tried the Roadmaster active suspension www.activesuspension.com
I had a friend who had them on his Chevy. He loved it. I just never gave it any thought at the time.

rb42 · 02-18-2005, 01:24 PM

Interesting info... Honestly, I havent noticed it yet, but I cant get the thing back from my wife...

are any of you guys seeing this on an 05? I just got mine yesterday... base model 4x2, no options...

Vegas04 · 02-18-2005, 04:38 PM

somebody came up with the idea that maybe a u-bolt spring clamp on each leaf spring would fix the problem without using helper springs and it seemed to work. I have an '04 w/ offroad package and I had tons of clunk leaving a light, stopping at a light, sometimes just sitting at a light if I let off of the brakes enough to let the springs pop back to their normal curve. then last weekend I spent $11.99 at autozone for a set of leaf spring clamps and now I have no more clunk at all. I can come to a screeching halt and then let off the brakes and stomp the gas and nothing clunks except for the gas gauge needle.