Drive train clunk - Page 4

ChrisCakes · 07-15-2004, 10:01 AM

Takes about 30 mins... 3/4" and 9/16" combo wrenches and same size deep sockets... Nothing to take apart... Just follow instructions posted earlier in this thread... Works great! Instructions in the box do recommend checking everything after 50-100 miles, just to make sure nothing comes loose. Enjoy!

bestatchess · 07-15-2004, 10:06 AM

They just bolt on. The instructions say to jack up the back end, support with jack stands, remove tires and then bolt them on. JetTech indicates that tire removal is not required, just crawl under the truck and bolt them on. If you look at the photos in JetTech's first post, you can see exactly where to mount them under the existing leaf springs. Jacking up the truck would take the pressure off the original leaf springs, making them more straight, less curved. But apparently the original springs are straight enough with the truck on the ground that jacking is not required. If you look at the more curved springs in the drawing on the box, you would probably need to jack it up and remove the tires to mount on those type of curved springs.

If you rotate your own tires (swap front to back every 7,500 miles) that would be a convenient time to install.

One further thought, you could use some thread lock compound (locktite or permatex) if you were worried about the nuts coming loose.

Masa · 07-15-2004, 10:09 AM

JetTech:

Thank you very much for posting your fix regarding this issue. I have two questions:

1. I understand that the spring helpers provide better handling/control as an extra benefit. However, I noticed that the box states, "Increase weight capacity." Is there any noticeable compromise in ride comfort?

2. Do you think the spring helpers can be painted black to maintain more stock look?

Many thanks in advance!

Masa

bestatchess · 07-15-2004, 10:19 AM

I would think you could paint them. I would advise cleaning thoroughly with a solvent to remove any remaining oil residue from the mfg. process prior to painting. Many people use Imron for under the car stuff because it is pretty tough. You could have them powder coated also.

JetTech · 07-15-2004, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Masa

JetTech:

Thank you very much for posting your fix regarding this issue. I have two questions:

1. I understand that the spring helpers provide better handling/control as an extra benefit. However, I noticed that the box states, "Increase weight capacity." Is there any noticeable compromise in ride comfort?

2. Do you think the spring helpers can be painted black to maintain more stock look?

Many thanks in advance!

Masa

No compromise in ride comfort at all. The truck will still take the dips and bumps just like it did before but with a little more control. As far as highway ride, positively no difference.

I think bestachess provided a good answer to the question concerning painting the helpers. I think they look great in silver because they are just barely visible from the side and you have to be looking real hard to see them. I would recommend to try them right out of the box first, then if you want to paint them they are real easy to remove....

JetTech · 07-15-2004, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisCakes

Takes about 30 mins... 3/4" and 9/16" combo wrenches and same size deep sockets... Nothing to take apart... Just follow instructions posted earlier in this thread... Works great! Instructions in the box do recommend checking everything after 50-100 miles, just to make sure nothing comes loose. Enjoy!

Chris, did it eliminate the clunking rear-end like I stated they would? I hope you enjoy them as much as I have........Also did you install them in the front of the axle like I did?

TriKKy · 07-16-2004, 05:01 AM

Curious, I just picked up my truck on Wed, and I don't hear any clunk per se. When I brake and am almost stopped and about 3secs of accelerating slowly, I feel a clunk in the shifter (also makes a slight audible click, which is how I found it) Is this the same as you guys?

Slurppie · 07-16-2004, 05:25 AM

The click sound is probably due to the shift lock engaging when you come to a stop (I think I'm using the correct terminology). The 02 Altimas had this exact issue in which Nissan put out a TSB and a repair kit.

ChrisCakes · 07-16-2004, 09:31 AM

They work just fine! Even noticed a little better cornering (less rear end squish) on the paved roads. I guess I had just gotten used to the clunking, but the wheel-hop and bouncing through the corners was really starting to get under my skin. Especially when pulling a 5,000 # trailer...

I installed them on the front side. Works just like the reproduction traction bars I put on my restored 1966 Mustang GT-350 Clone. Bolted them to the bottom of the axle and welded the attachment pad to the frame rail under the rear seat. Virtually eliminated the wind-up and wheel-hop when you smashed the throttle...

Funny how I feel about the same today driving my 300+ horsepower TITAN as I did driving my 300+ horsepower GT-350 Clone 20 years ago

bestatchess · 07-16-2004, 09:36 AM

I am going to try them if I can find them. I have noticed the rear wheel hop in the corners also, resulting in occasional unintended tire squealing that scares nearby pedestrians.

ChrisCakes · 07-16-2004, 09:49 AM

Helper Springs

bestatchess · 07-16-2004, 10:00 AM

O.K., got them ordered. Thanks.

z3axv · 07-16-2004, 12:10 PM

Just installed them. First and foremost a million thanks to JetTech. Preliminary impressions: virtually eliminated the CLUNK, it also elimnated the loosy feeling I got under moderate to hard braking. The truck feels firm once it comes to a stop. I can actually drive my Titan without concerning myself about the clunk.

But I am pissed. Nissan should be ashamed. Such an easy fix for an annoying issue which many of us have/had and all Nissan could say is that the clunk is normal. I'm wondering how many other issues we have are just an easy fix away from resolution.

Anyway, another million thanks to JetTech

BTW, I bought the springs at Discount Auto Parts, same make and price as JetTech.

bestatchess · 07-16-2004, 01:26 PM

This sounds encouraging. Maybe they should be called "JetTech bars" or something like that.

JetTech · 07-16-2004, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bestatchess

This sounds encouraging. Maybe they should be called "JetTech bars" or something like that.

your funny best....

Anyhow I'm glad so far those who have tried them are as happy as I am with them. What a difference they make all around!!

On another note I'm interested to see if anyone else has dropped their wheel torque to 85 ft/lbs. yet. I did this approx. 4500 miles ago and they haven't budged from the 85 that I torqued them to. And the best part is NO rotor warpage......Another one to try if you've been aggravated by the warped rotor issue...By the way if the wheels were going to loosen up they would have many miles ago, I have a bad habit of sliding my truck through a few of my favorite corners coming home from work!! The Devil makes me do that.....