Front suspension clunk over bumps (SOLVED)

Hey all, since upgrading my suspension (lifting my truck 2"-3") a couple weeks ago I developed a mysterious front end suspension clunk while hitting a speed bump (or similar) at low speeds. Online research revealed this type of issue is not uncommon with Tacomas, so I thought I would post my experience here in case it might help others.

I checked a number of things, but in the end the reason appears to have been that my buddy and I applied final torque to the lower front shock bolts BEFORE letting the truck down off of the lift.

I could be wrong, but the clunking seems to have gone away only after I loosened both of those bolts and re-torqued them (while the truck was on the ground, rather than up on the lift).

I went from Bilstein 4600 and stock coils, to 5100 (set at 0") with OME 881 coils, fyi. 2002 TRD 3.4 ExtCab.

 

Good to know. I'll keep that in mind when I get to mine.

 

There are lots of different clunks out there, so this isn't going to help everyone, but it sure seems to have solved my particular issue.

 

Thanks for the info. To confirm, it's just the bottom shock bolts that need to be torqued under load correct? Or does that method apply to the upper shock bolts as well?

 

Yes for the front shocks/struts it's just the lower bolt that should be torqued with all four wheels on the ground.

For the rear shocks it's both the upper and lower bolts that should be torqued with all four wheels on the ground. Also the u-bolts and probably the main leaf spring bolts as well.

It has to do with the moving parts and bushings. You want it torqued down in it's normal riding position, NOT up on the lift with everything at full droop.

 

Just replaced my rears last night with 4600 and torqued up in air. Thanks for reply as I will loosen and re torque rears to 53 ftlbs under load.

 

Yeah it just takes a few minutes. Of all the things I mentioned it probably matters least with the rear shocks, but still, not a bad idea.