Clickity Clank... with new NCD leving kit

TitanDuner · 04-20-2007, 09:21 PM

Alright, I got my new 2" leveling kit that I put on a few weeks ago from the group buy and ever since then I hear a noise coming from the front right suspension area. I can't figure out where it is coming from and it is irritating the crap out of me now. I only hear it when going over little bumps or cracks in the road. It only is heard when I am also going 10 - 60 MPH. Can't really hear it over that unless it doesn't clank at those high speeds.
I have already taken off the tire and made sure that everything is tight and torqued to what GAry at NCD has notified me to do. I don't see any rubbing marks or where the control arms would be hitting. I did the same thing when I installed the other side.

I can't figure it out and it is too hard to tune it out with the music on. I know it is still there and can't do anything about it.

Can any one help me out on this one? Right now I am open to anything.

Fox Delta · 04-20-2007, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TitanDuner

Alright, I got my new 2" leveling kit that I put on a few weeks ago from the group buy and ever since then I hear a noise coming from the front right suspension area. I can't figure out where it is coming from and it is irritating the crap out of me now. I only hear it when going over little bumps or cracks in the road. It only is heard when I am also going 10 - 60 MPH. Can't really hear it over that unless it doesn't clank at those high speeds.
I have already taken off the tire and made sure that everything is tight and torqued to what GAry at NCD has notified me to do. I don't see any rubbing marks or where the control arms would be hitting. I did the same thing when I installed the other side.

I can't figure it out and it is too hard to tune it out with the music on. I know it is still there and can't do anything about it.

Can any one help me out on this one? Right now I am open to anything.

I have the same sounds - but from both sides. (my kit is the 2 1/2" from four wheel parts store and they did the install/alignment - Daystar I think) I really didn't notice it until I put the bigger/heavier tires on. I can't find anything loose either. I assumed that the sound was from my spacer and the suspension loading/unloading quickly. I notice it offroad but only when the suspension unloads a lot (big dips or whoops). any one else?

NorCal 4x4 · 04-20-2007, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fox Delta

I have the same sounds - but from both sides. (my kit is the 2 1/2" from four wheel parts store and they did the install/alignment - Daystar I think) I really didn't notice it until I put the bigger/heavier tires on. I can't find anything loose either. I assumed that the sound was from my spacer and the suspension loading/unloading quickly. I notice it offroad but only when the suspension unloads a lot (big dips or whoops). any one else?

Daystar and their copy cats are bad news because they add pre-load ... just search on the word Daystar here at Titan Talk for lots of stories on them.

The PRG and NCD level kits mount on top of the OEM coilover and can also make noise ... but won't add to their already short life. In the post below PrerunnerGreg sums up the issue with Daystars, and the noise for both types.

http://www.titantalk.com/forums/372503-post12.html

.

DJG21TITAN · 04-20-2007, 10:36 PM

Ya mine does it too(top gun customz 2 1/2"), I'm about ready to replace the front shocks. I just don't wanna have to rent a spring compressor and take the whole thing apart again, if I don't have too.

NorCal 4x4 · 04-20-2007, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJG21TITAN

Ya mine does it too(top gun customz 2 1/2"), I'm about ready to replace the front shocks. I just don't wanna have to rent a spring compressor and take the whole thing apart again, if I don't have too.

Just get some coilovers from PRG. Probably will never have to mess with them again. Requires a toe-in alignment though, like the level kits.

The 2" diameter body ones from Radflo are around $700 shipped or the 2.5" body DR coilovers for around $1150 shipped. Contact PRGproducts.com "contacts" for current price quotes.

These will also level your truck and don't require aftermarket upper A-arms.
Oh, and they just bolt in as a single unit ... coils and shocks and height adjustment collar in one.

Fox Delta · 04-20-2007, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swarren1

Daystar and their copy cats are bad news because they add pre-load ... just search on the word Daystar here at Titan Talk for lots of stories on them.

The PRG and NCD level kits mount on top of the OEM coilover and can also make noise ... but won't add to their already short life. In the post below PrerunnerGreg sums up the issue with Daystars, and the noise for both types.

http://www.titantalk.com/forums/372503-post12.html

.

Hmmm - it makes sense that the shock is the limiting factor on big whoops -
you can really feel it "top out"
but really doesn't explain why it makes a thunkety-thunk sound when when the shock is traveling about an inch total while going down my subdivison street. hopefully only 8 more months until I can get the CST 7"

I think the sounds I hear are from the suspension unloading quickly and giving the spacer just a smidge of room then loading back up. As in the concrete cracks on the local streets. I don't hear the sounds above 40 mph though

Unfortunately I found Daystar before i found Titantalk

DJG21TITAN · 04-20-2007, 11:56 PM

I did'nt wanna spend that much cash. I'm already in 1400 for lift, tires, and alignment. Another 700 is a little too much.

NorCal 4x4 · 04-21-2007, 12:20 AM

Maybe instead of buying new replacements, and renting/borrowing a spring compressor, you can find some newer take-offs OEM coilovers for cheap.

Some of these guyz lift and do other suspension upgrades right away. Just check the buy/sell area or even post a want to buy with your general location because shipping is a hassle for someone only making $25 to $50. Then save up for some good ones.

TitanDuner · 04-21-2007, 09:14 PM

So the noise is coming from the OEM shocks even when the spacer is placed on top of the strut?
Dam that really sucks! I didn't really want to upgrade to anything else for awhile even though I have the mod itch.
So there is no other way to fix the noise other than to replace the front shocks?

NorCal 4x4 · 04-21-2007, 10:30 PM

I think the description means with the better designed top of coilover level kits, the A-arms hit against the coil bucket for the full extension droop stop, which protects the shocks.

Remember, the main purpose of a level kit is for looks. They are not a suspension upgrade.

But "going over little bumps or cracks in the road" shouldn't cause the A-arm to hit the bucket, so something sounds wrong.

Maybe your shocks were already blown, or something wasn't installed right. Could be unrelated too like a loose/missing motor mount bolt, forgotten tool, etc. Maybe drive it to NCD and have them check it out.

**loufish** · 04-22-2007, 07:26 AM

Can you tell which side is making the noise? If so, then try swapping the left & right shocks and see if the noise moves...

BHMTitan · 04-22-2007, 07:41 PM

Duner..

I too was part of the NCD group buy, and I also had the clicking noise right after the install. I did the install on a Sunday afternoon; Monday morning was doing it on the way to work. I went out at lunch and drove over several steep dips and inclines, and the clicking seemed to have eased off a little. That evening headed home and didn't hear anything, and haven't since. So in my case, seemed like the new system had to settle; maybe even the lower strut bolt moved into a seated postion.

If your noise doesn't go away, you may have to remove the spacer to see if the noise is still there. If so, most likely the strut itself. If no noise, reinstall the spacer, being sure to clean the mounting surfaces, and double check your torques.

good luck...

hooligan · 04-23-2007, 07:21 AM

hmmm, funny, well sucks actually sorry to hear the problems guys...

when i installed my PRG spacers never heard a clunk. actually mine performed and rode much better with them in over stock which always bottomed out hard.

Fox Delta · 04-23-2007, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hooligan

hmmm, funny, well sucks actually sorry to hear the problems guys...

when i installed my PRG spacers never heard a clunk. actually mine performed and rode much better with them in over stock which always bottomed out hard.

I think I will go talk to the guys at 4WPW who did mine and see if they will help me find the cause of the sounds.

jasonmotox · 04-23-2007, 07:48 AM

this isn't making me want to install my leveling kit but, I've already got it.
I bought the 2 1/2" leveling kit from PRG for my 2wd Titan, and this weekend i ended up buying a 07' 4wd, question? can I install the spacers on my 4wd as well as the Bilsteins? The leveling kit I bought was to be in conjunction with my 4"spindle lift to give me 6 1/2" of total lift.