Front end "klunk" and "bang" after lift and new shocks. PLEASE HELP!!!

Listen to this guy. This was my problem, but I'm in a 2nd gen.

 

The spindle is what connects the UCA to the knuckle...

 

Spoke to the alignment guy again, I asked what ft lbs of torque he set the nuts to. He said he didnt use a torque wrench, he said. He did say, quote "you should see my arms, I torque the hell out those nuts. I guarantee theyre set to at least 100 lbs."
Is it possible to overtorque them?

I didnt get to work on the truck today but i did a little more research.
I found several testimonials and articles strongly recommending a differential drop kit (for lifts over 2") to restore the factory angle of the cv axle.
I ordered an aluminum 2" lift spacer that includes a differential and skid plate drop kit to replace the 2 1/2" lift spacer currently installed.

These lift style spacers are only able to achieve a max 2.5" of lift. This makes me think the struts are "topping out" too easily, especially with heavy duty struts.

I hope by lowering the front end by 1\2" it will allow the struts more travel and reduce stress on other components.
I may go a step further and mill the spacer down to reduce lift an extra 1.4" for a total of 1 3/4" of lift.

Any thoughts?

 

I'm thinking we really need some pics of the coils, spacers, truck as a whole, to determine what might be happening. IMO if your mechanic thinks he's Popeye, and shuns the use of a torque wrench, I'd never go back.

 

I would love to post some pics but im out of the state on business right now. When i get back I'll post some.
As far a popeye the mechanic (very funny btw) I live in a town of 5000 people and he is reported to be the best in the area.
When I do a realignment after i install the new parts, i may have the alignment done at a larger shop in a bigger city about a half hour away to see if i notice a difference.

 

TREMENDOUS THANKS to everyone for offering so much advice!! I am very new to tacoma forums and it has proven to be very helpful.
I wish I had discovered this before begining my build, I would've done thins a little differently.

Just wanted to say thanks and keep it coming!

 

go buy a torque wrench and check them yourself. harbor freight has them for $10 all the time.

I thought it was higher though...like 150 lbs/ft.? Different gen specs maybe?

 

GOOD IDEA!!
Thanks Cowboy Taco.

 

Check your LCAs where they bolt into your spindle. You also might have a uniball or ball joint that's shitting the bucket. Check brake caliper bolts etc. You have something not torqued down correctly and it's loose. (My LCA UniBall lost it's Teflon liner and is clunking like mad right now. Nothing I can do till I replace it.)

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/at...16882-stock-lower-control-arms-sale-image.jpg

Anything and everything that bolts onto these, recheck. Mine is that castle nut for that Ball Joint. (Or in my case because I'm LT'd, Uni Ball)

 

"clunk" started before the alignment and he was hoping the alignment would make the clunking go away. new shocks, coil, and spacer lift. Did you use the old bushings on the shocks or new ones? are all the bushings/washers for the shocks installed correctly? seen posts of people on here installing the front shocks with the bushings on wrong which causes a gap between the shock and top plate of the coil assembly causing clunking and rough riding.

 

Yes the shocks came with new bushings.
The pseudo mechanic I paid to install the shocks said he installed everything according to the instructions.
Tomorrow I am removing the 2.5" lift polyeurethane spacers for some Billet spacers that provide 2" of lift.
I milled the millet spacers down 1/8" to total 1 3/4" total lift.
my hope is that by reducing the lift by 3/4" it will reduce the stress on other components.
How do i check to make sure the bushings are installed correctly?

 

If you value your truck, don't abuse it with a $10 torque wrench.

 

Alright so here is my noise. The LCA is "breaking loose" from the LCA bushing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-Ub2rUdqEI
front bushing

Rear bushing

 

Nice video! Possibly the only one in existence that shows that clunk.
I think @Squeaky Penguin replaced his and had decent luck with whatever brand he used.

 

I can only hope it helps. I started by taking video of the alignment cams, ball joints, tie rod, and wheel bearing. Lol lots of back and forth under the truck and trying to find a good spot to mount the camera.

I just replaced the bushings when this started happening but I didn't think that this could be happening. I think I bent the LCA arms narrower in the process.

 

As far as a solution I found one.. You guys are slacking.. Found my answer on a jeep forum.
http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showthread.php?72202-Front-LCA-bushings-sliding-around-in-arm

 

So you're going to replace the LCA and bushing?

 

I had the exact same problem only mine is a 07 and an OME 3" lift. After a week in the shop they finally figured out
that the front springs were to stiff,they changed the springs to 885's and the problem is gone

 

Idk yet. I have some measurements from other people to make sure I didn't bend the arm. If it's bent I'll put a jack in it and try to put it back where it belongs. Otherwise Idk yet.

 

I got the same problem 2.5 RC lift with stock uca and LCA . When suspension is full extended the knucle hit the springs . Also when making a turn and taking a small bump it will make clunk sound.