Drive train clunk

[FlimFlamMan]

Originally Posted by Herbpov

Removed my (JT) Helper springs and installed these. Will not lower the rear of the truck. Hellwig Traction Springs

Yep... thats what I'm getting to replace my $22 helper springs.

The helpers are still on (have been since last summer) and I haven't had any problems with them. One thing I noticed (and this could be happening to me only) was that when I installed the helpers without the rivet they would always start sliding up towards the front (and I cranked them puppies down!). When I put the rivet in (the heaviest setting) they havent moved one bit. I've had the rivet on for the past 3 months or so.

I like the fact that the Hellwig's dont lower the rear end any.

When I can afford it I will get the PRG Street Traction Bars. Those are the shiznit!

[TitanicDJ]

OK, it's late and I've been reading these extremely long threads and getting a little confused. So I have a few questions:

JetTech installed these "helper springs" in front of the rear wheel below the leaf springs.

Herbpov installed a different set from Hellwig (red spring) on the top, again toward the front.

gr8titan has a double spring system and installed both the Hellwig (red spring) on top and toward the front "and" another helper spring towards the back but still on top.

So, do you guys who installed these still have them on and are they still working?
Which set-up prevents axle wrap the best?
Would a pair of traction bars do a better job at preventing axle wrap?

Thanks for any info,
DJ

[Herbpov]

Originally Posted by TitanicDJ

OK, it's late and I've been reading these extremely long threads and getting a little confused. So I have a few questions:

JetTech installed these "helper springs" in front of the rear wheel below the leaf springs.

Herbpov installed a different set from Hellwig (red spring) on the top, again toward the front.

gr8titan has a double spring system and installed both the Hellwig (red spring) on top and toward the front "and" another helper spring towards the back but still on top.

So, do you guys who installed these still have them on and are they still working?
Which set-up prevents axle wrap the best?
Would a pair of traction bars do a better job at preventing axle wrap?

Thanks for any info,
DJ

I still have mine on and am very happy with them. I'm sure traction bars would be the best options, but I don't seem to have any axle wrap or wheel hop. Better than stock. Still waiting till spring to see how they will work with towing my boat. Hoping they will also prevent some of the rear end sag when towing.

[ablexus]

Originally Posted by Bayou Titan

Yes! I have noticed this. it is very slight on my Titan (two wheel drive) so I was hesitant to mention it on this forum figuring that no one else would have noticed. On my truck it is like the transmission is downshifting a millisecond before I come to a complete stop. I can feel a definite clunk each time I stop.

Quoted because I couldn't have said it better.

I had noticed this for a while and had wanted to post about it but wasn't sure it was anything. Turns out my senses were correct.

Originally Posted by MLV

JetTech, I put the helper springs on and they eliminated 95% of clunk. Thanks. I also noticed that the steering is more responsive and it feels like the truck is "hugging" the road surface and seems to be tighter. My imagination or did you experience this? Thanks again. MLV

Once again, quoted for truth. I put these on and the acceleration clunk is gone and the final stop is almost perfect.

I DID have a question about my install....

I put the C-bracket ahead of the little band on the leaf spring.... I could have put it behind the spring but that would have required modification of the C-bracket. Should I remove and replace it? It seems to be working great right now, buth sides ratcheted to about 9 threads.

Andrew

[FlimFlamMan]

Originally Posted by ablexus

I DID have a question about my install....

I put the C-bracket ahead of the little band on the leaf spring.... I could have put it behind the spring but that would have required modification of the C-bracket. Should I remove and replace it? It seems to be working great right now, buth sides ratcheted to about 9 threads.

Andrew

Can you post a pic of your spring install? That will probobly help you get some responses to your question.

[ablexus]

Never mind, it looks exactly like the one in the picture. It just seemed to easy to put it where it was, I figured I had to be wrong.

Sorry, used to working on a Ford. Won't happen again.

Andrew

[jon_24v]

Originally Posted by JetTech

to be honest I'm not sure what my next Titan project will be. I'm sure glad this one is working out as well as it is for everyone. I had the springs on several months before I said anything just to make sure there wouldn't be any hidden surprises.

Other than rotor warpage, of which the fix I found was to lower the wheel torque to 85 and the clunking rear-end noise, I really can't think of anything else. Any ideas?? I'm always up for a challenge.....

how about a fix for the rattle in my power sliding rear window when it is "down"... it makes some pretty violent noises on bumps and such.

BTW, i trek'd down to the hood tonite (the only place around me that they have 24 hour auto parts stores..) to get these springs, ill throw them on tomorrow and let you know how it goes... (as if it will be any differnet than anyone elses experience.) thanks for the legwork dude.

[jon_24v]

couldn't sleep... yay insomnia... whatever.. i installed the bars, and did my taxes... both came out quite nicely.

Thanks again dude.

[jon_24v]

one thing i notice, that im not sure weather i like or not, is when taking corners "on power" it spins the **** out of the inside tire....

[B-RAN]

got some this weekend and putting them on today.

[StuntDriver06]

i put on the 22$ spring helpers also and was impressed, i will not take them off, but i still have a cluck and i think it is my slip yoke... acts just like it... i can take of slow and it will do it a little, then as i add gas it will do it again and again.. maybe 3 or 4 times by the time i hit 2nd.... also does the catching up feeling when coming to a stop... anyone know what i am trying to say he he ... dont think i explained it well..

[bennieblunt]

I've got the same issue, The PRG lift/level magnified it slightly (installed last year) but there is no signs of abnormalities,. Iam very interested in the U-joint/slip-joint bearings; are they just settling in?

[B-RAN]

After reading all the posts on these I had to give it a try. I am so glad I did!! Easy install and it made a big difference. Not only did it get rid of the clunk noise when going over bumbs or railroad tracks, but it also made my wife happy by smoothing out the ride! Thanks for all the advice and recommendations everyone!

[SWAMech]

Just a couple of questions;
1. Why don't all of these trucks do this? I've driven 3 with big tow package and mine is the only one doing it.
2. Why is everyone sticking a pair of 22 dollar helper springs on their 30k plus truck? If it is axle wrap i.e. a design problem why aren't we making them fix it?
Around 1990 Chevy had a similar problem with their trucks and the problem was a rubber wedge installed in the leaf. Which leads me back to question 1, why don't they all do it?
I haven't taken it to a dealer yet but I have talked to 2 different ones and they said it was normal but to bring it in to make sure something wasn't falling out. One guy said "Trucks with the tow package have the rear end set up looser so they don't burn up, and that is from the factory rep". Keeps bringing me back to question 1 though why don't they all do it?

[StuntDriver06]

well all trucks have some sort of axle wrap... just more noticeable in the titan... i think nissan will tackle this problem in conjunction with the rear end... also if it is the slip yoke it could be that the tolerances are too tight in the machining process.. i think toyota had this problem some years ago.. but cant be sure..