Yet another help me figure out what this noise is post.

I know..... yell at me if you want to but this clunking/tapping has me about at my wits end. I'm in the middle of some big refreshes and figured I'd try to tackle some random bumps and pops that's been bothering me while I'm at it.

This rattling/tapping has existed for quite a while now. Shallow road bumps/holes will cause the rattling effect while larger holes and bumps mainly cause one big pop. Today it was even rattling on start up, in park, when I was getting ready to leave work. I did notice that it stopped or at least quieted up when I got back out. I can also feel the associated vibration in my left foot when it happens.

I've done quite a bit of looking around but nothing obvious is sticking out to me. Body mounts seem fine. This is the area where the vibration is strongest. (Where I'm pointing)


Underneath, that would put it about here:


There is nothing between the frame and the underside of the body. I do think that section is a hollow double layer. You all think there might be a broken weld inside?

Any ideas are helpful at this point. Thanks in advance.

 

could be csb - driveshaft shifting around in there

swaybar
leaf bushings

 

Sway has been gone for years
I just rebuild the driveshafts and installed a new support bearing.

Springs probably do need some loving. Adding that to the list. Thanks.

 

You mention clunking, This is just a shot in the dark, but have you greased the slip yoke? there is a clunk associated with that. I'm having a rattling noise as well that happens under acceleration sounds like marbles rattling in a can.

 

Added to the list to check this weekend. Thanks.

 

Had a few free minutes at work so I snaked that hollow section I was talking about. Found this:



Which puts it about here. Right where I can feel the knocking:

 

Is your exhaust touching anything?
Any loose heat shields?
......another idea to add to the list.

 

Exhaust is clear and tight. Most of the heat shields are long since gone but the 1 or 2 I have is good.

 

In no particular order....
Control arms/body mount bushings.
Lower shock bolt.
Bad shock?

Jack up the front end and give your wheels a vigorous shaking. Side to side. Up and down.
Any play?

 

If the drivers side cat shield is gone or fell off did you get the old metal clamp that went around the exhaust pipe off or is it still hanging there making noise.
Big pop could be worn out radiator isolator bushings also called front body bushings. Drivers side one on mine was internally separated. Could not see externally.
Gen2 Radiator Bushings Install | Tacoma World
Other things upper control arm long bolt check nut is at 80 ft-lbs. Lower control arm alignment nuts torque to 100 but don't mess alignment up (mark cams and hold with wrench/socket).
Then if an aftermarket skid plate see if its directly touching the front diff that can cause a pop as diff/frame flexes.
Good luck finding the source.