What are the possible outcomes?

So my truck frame was messed up by a terrible job. I now have it fixed properly and installed new LBJs, shocks/coils, leaf springs. The frame was off an inch or more to low on the truck for about a year. Once I installed all of the following a popping noise started coming from my drive shaft. I purchased an replaced a new center support bearing and the popping was gone. I noticed I had a leaking inside CV boot so purchased a boot kit an replaced it due to time an difficulties my truck was elevated on the front driver side for 3 days. Once the boot repair was done the popping noise returned which again sound like somewhere on my drive shaft. I have the 3 joint shaft with the cardan joint. So I am wondering what could be the results if I was unable to torque the center support bearing exactly as directed when I installed it? I couldnt get it to the 100+ pounds so used an impact hit it then did loosen an tighten to 69 ftlbs then spiked/staked the nut. Could the popping be from that or and this is my main concern possibly the double Cardan joint in the center? How can I check my drive shaft joints and see if I can find where that popping is coming from? In which order would you all check them an how I suppose is what I am asking. Sorry for the long story but wanted the full background understood.

 

Well, you're 4wd- so you can pull the DS off entirely, stick it in 4wd and drive a short ways to see if the pop is gone. If it is, just take the DS to a driveline shop and let them tune it up.

Either way, you need to remove the DS from the truck to check the u joints for play. The Cardan can't be serviced- the drive line shop would cut it out and replace it entirely.

 

Yeah I have heard those cardan joints are quite the pain in the arse! And probably costly to replace

 

I don't know how much a shop would charge to replace it, or service the entire DS. But a new after market DS can be had for around $600 delivered- just to put that option on the table too.

I'd be looking to identify the pop first.

If you pull the DS and still here the pop, then put the DS back in, put the rear end up on jack stands and put it in drive (with someone in the drivers seat) while you look under to try to identify the source. Things travel in the drive line, so it could be a pnion or diff related bearings, or wheel bearing, etc... Don't hyper focus on the DS being the only source.

 

Well I have been checking an trying to replicate the noise an cant unless its moving. Thought possibly the new leaf springs, but doesnt sound like is coming from there. Time will tell maybe ill get lucky an it will be one of the U Joints then easy fix and all done.

 

"Pops" sound more like a control arm or steering rack bushing, sway bar, inner or outer tie rods, etc..

Anything the DS does should be rotationally consistent- and generally described more as a vibration.

 

We also tend to describe sounds different to me popping is like Pop corn. Bushings are more of a clunk.

A rod bearing gone bad is a knocking.

Sounds can be so very hard to locate. When driving it can even be from the rear axle.

All the bushing tight in the suspension?

Is this a constant popping noise that increases as road speed increases ?

This just happens starting and stopping ?

Any major vibration in the shifter. Feeling anything in the steering wheel?

My friend went crazy spending $$$ tracking down a popping sound it was failed internal welds in the muffler.

 

Are you sure it's not axle wrap or a sticky slip joint?

 

Its at low speeds 35 under can be when you hit a bump or make a turn or just driving straight and has the sound similar to like when ya lean against metal like a fender well and the metal will pop in and back out or when we were kids an sit on the hood Dont hear it at high speeds at all is never a squeal or high pitch. Oh the joy

 

I'd really be looking more towards a bushing or something loose in the front end than the drive shaft.

 

Or 2 bed screws the guy left loose when he welded the frame

 

That are so rusted I cant tighten and now gonna have to find spacers for

 

Heat shield or exhaust banging against something?

Might even be something in one of the front tires.

Body panel or something flexing .

Very frustrating !!

 

You jus nailed it pretty sure I just found it

 

Question is how I am gonna get spacers above these rusted blots. It heck getting to the nut or id just cut them

 

Easy to test put 2 ratchet straps across the bed to the frame test ride!!

 

And this maaay not be it but makes sense with when the noise was happening when the body would be twisted turning into parking lots leaving parking lots an potholes etc

 

Yes indeed *tip of the cap*

 

Funny how its the simple stuff ya dont check or think about at 1st that alot of times ends up being the culprit but damn I wish it was a ujoint over these bolts lol look like pumpkins. Guess fall is coming

 

I may jus rip the bed off an make a wooden flat bed for it if thats the case. Always thought that looked cool