Riddle me this: Rear end clunk/rattle...none of the usual suspects

My truck does this too, I think it's my exhaust jumping up and hitting the bottom of the bed. My exhaust is chopped off so it ends just after it goes over the axle, so the last set of hangers is gone.

Also, I noticed that there is some side-to-side slop in my carrier bearing. How much movement is too much for that?

 

Hey Bethes,
For me it ended up being the rear leaf packs; the leaves were touching each other so when they flexed they were 'grinding' against each other. I separated them and put some rubber strips in between each leaf...that was about 2 years ago and they have been quiet ever since.

That bolt in the bed being separated doesn't sound right honestly. Even if it feels tight...something might not be right. People also talked about cab mounts when I was having my problem. Ended up not being the problem for me, but may be worth checking for you. They are basically a rubber bushing that with a big bolt actually bolt the cab to the truck frame. If I remember correctly you get to them behind the seats. The plastic cubbies have to be removed and then when you peel the carpet back you can see them. Lots of steps to get to them so I'd check everything else first....ie that bolt in the bed. Happy hunting!

 

Thanks, I read through the thread trying to get some ideas about what it might be. Hoping it's something easy and cheap to fix. Just dropped $1200 earlier this week getting new brakes and U-joints and some other stuff done, so really hope I can fix it myself. )

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/366921-rattle-coming-truck-bed-normal.html

 

Sounds like my truck... and my thread...
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/360284-thud-rear-13-over-sharp-bumps.html

 

Sweet. That gives me some more stuff to check. Thanks guys!