Drive train clunk - Page 3

JetTech · 07-13-2004, 06:57 PM

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.

Here's a few pics of what I installed to eliminate this problem

Here you can see how they are just barely visible from the side

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

RED BRAWN SE CC · 07-13-2004, 07:58 PM

Great Info! Thanks Jet!

dirtydozen · 07-13-2004, 08:52 PM

i noticed after a particularly rough day of off road trail riding my titan squeaks and clanks a lot, i looked under but never could find the problem till the other day. there are some sort of metal covers (look like cookie sheets) hanging from the underside of the bed, they are held in with plastic connectors and these are broken off and whenever i go over a bump or speed bump it bounces back and hits the bed, a most annoying sound. the squeek seems to be in the leaf springs

Gig'em · 07-14-2004, 10:05 AM

JetTech, which model did you get? Is yours a generic part? It looks like Advanced has several part numbers and none are described as fitting a Titan.

ChrisCakes · 07-14-2004, 11:02 AM

Based on price and comparing the pictures...

Make Waves 18921 Helper Springs

I too notice the clunk as well as the slight bounce going around a bumpy corner. I live on a dirt road, so I'm going to give this a try...

For $22.88 + tax, I'll give it a shot!

JetTech · 07-14-2004, 02:38 PM

Here's a pic of the box the springs came in. Basically you have to ignore what the box says along with the directions and just bolt them on in front of the axle. Don't use the little knobs that come with the kit unless you really do want to add carrying capacity. Sorry the pic is so big but it blurred at smaller resolutions.

Also these springs will drop the rear of the truck 1/2". In my opinion it looks better but 1/2" is hard to see if you don't measure it. The back still sits higher than the front so don't worry about it looking weird after you install them....

JetTech · 07-14-2004, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gig'em

JetTech, which model did you get? Is yours a generic part? It looks like Advanced has several part numbers and none are described as fitting a Titan.

I believe they are generic and to the best of my knowledge you won't find any just for the Titan.

bestatchess · 07-14-2004, 03:45 PM

I can't find DynaChrome. This looks similar:

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/P...X/appId-456652

bestatchess · 07-14-2004, 03:49 PM

Found the DynaChrome instructions:

http://catalog.makewavesinstrumentco...s/18920-21.pdf

JetTech · 07-14-2004, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bestatchess

Found the DynaChrome instructions:

http://catalog.makewavesinstrumentco...s/18920-21.pdf

The instructions will give you a basic idea of how to install them but there are several steps that are not needed. You don't have to remove your tires to install them. Just crawl under the truck and bolt them on, if your wondering just where to place them refer to the pics I've attached. I can't say enough good about them and the difference they've made with my truck. Yes I could wait a couple of years until Nissan "might" address this but that's not me. I'm not going to be aggravated by a clunking twisting rear-end for the next couple of years on the hopes that they will. Sometimes it's best to take matters into your own hands through trial and error looking for a cure to a problem!!

Big Platinum · 07-14-2004, 05:33 PM

http://hitchestogo.com/merchant2/mer...MKII+%28XXF%29

Might want to check these out, more expensive but heard they work good. Their worth a look.

JetTech · 07-14-2004, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Platinum

http://hitchestogo.com/merchant2/mer...MKII+%28XXF%29

Might want to check these out, more expensive but heard they work good. Their worth a look.

I think it was 2 guys garage on TV that installed the springs you mentioned on a Chevy 1500. They were impressed with the results and highly recommended them BUT, that setup cannot be installed in a reverse scenario like the helper spring can and it will have little to no reduction concerning axle twist. Would be a great mod for those of you who don't have the clunking rear axle......

Big Platinum · 07-14-2004, 06:00 PM

Hey for $22 bucks, I might just go get the ones you have, nothing to lose.

ChrisCakes · 07-15-2004, 10:04 AM

Just installed mine... Handling on the bumpy corners is significantly improved. I live on a dirt road, and was noticing a lot of "wheel hop" driving around some of the bumpier ones. There is a lot less bouncing and significantly more traction with these $22 springs installed. Was always getting the "SLIP" light when I turned a corner. Now I have to give it more gas than before to break traction... Thanks for the info!

FLfinfan · 07-15-2004, 10:46 AM

How hard are these to install? What tools do you need? Are they just bolt on or do you have to take stuff apart, insert these helpers, and then put things back together? Thanks in advance for your help.