Clanking Sound In Front Suspension

Hello TW,

Just got back from NH and ME. I’ve noticed a clanking sound coming from the front end. I have not had time to diagnose what it could be (and will dig into it soon) and wanted to post a short clip of the sound. It doesn’t happen during on-road driving.

It was making a similar sound before the install of the TRD Skid Plate; however, I’m going to check the torque and clearance of the sway bar (drop kit installed to clear the front struts).

Currently running OME MT64s and SPC UCAs up front. It’s bothersome and the sound drives me crazy as it’s pretty consistent when driving on rougher roads.

Any input/guidance is always appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

https://youtube.com/shorts/_SEYdKbxQZI?si=3MjYodaLguxeQ49G

 

Clunks and rattles are best diagnosed with a heavy hand.
Smash and rattle things with the ball of your hand, could be as simple as a busted skid plate bolt.

Might be a loose or busted sway bar end link. Just grab everything and see if it wiggles, it shouldn't.
I advise doing it first sitting on full vehicle weight, sometimes it's better to do with the truck jacked up and the wheels hanging.

 

Appreciate that man. I’ll be going at it before/during the install of a SSO Slimline Front Bumper and Smittybilt 12k winch. Pretty excited about getting started with that.

 

The Tacoma lower shock mount bolts are not fully shouldered and a well known source for noise.
Upgrade to OEMT4R or 303 lower bolts https://www.303shockservices.com/product-page/toyota-lower-shock-bolt-set

 

Cool, cool. Thanks bro. I’ll check ‘em out. Based on the video, you think that might be the source of the noise?

 

Alright, pretty sure I found the noise. Only problem is, it’s tight to spec 81 ft/lbs. Same noise on both sides.

Are the SPC UCAs already shot?

https://youtube.com/shorts/qV1cojlI1zg?si=IWDpJydTarPJTAzA

 

Going through the warranty process with SPC right now. So far, so good. The upper ball joint has a 3-year, 36k-mile warranty that restarts with the receipt of the new joints. Apparently, I had an older design that ShockSurplus had in stock when I ordered last June. Fingers crossed whatever they did with the new design works better.

Basically had two options:

1. CORE CHARGE = You pay a core charge of $176.55 and we will ship out your replacement parts first. Your core charge will be refunded to you once we receive your old parts back for inspection and all failures discovered are result of manufacturing defect.
   
2. NO CORE CHARGE = Your send in the old parts first without a core charge. Once inspected, if manufacturing defects are found, we will ship out the replacement components at no charge.

 

New ball joints installed over the weekend. Alignment done today. Everything seems to be in order. Will update once I’m on dirt to see if the noise is still present.

For anyone wondering, SPC was painless to deal with and took care of me. Assuming their newest style of ball joint works longer than 12k miles, I’d recommend them!