I have a 2000 ext cab 4x4 with the 5.9 with 92k miles. About a month ago i started to hear a rattle sound coming from under the truck on rough roads. The application of brakes seem to kill the sound. Since then when I first apply the breaks i get almost like a thump sound. I have had it to the tire shop and the steering looks ok and it was aligned. The only thing that they could think of was a shock going bad. I am seeing no leaking for the shocks or adnormal tire wear which leads my knowledge to say that is not the issue. I could use some help on this before I have to send it to the dealer.

 

does the thump/rattle come from under the feet of driver or passenger ? if so, its likely the lower front shock bolt not tight or bolt worn down. it needs to be torqued to 100 ft lb, which is breaker bar/air gun tight.

similar on rear, it doesn't have to be quite that tight, but i had to replace both my lower rear shock bolts. the bushing on the shock ate em up.

 

I have not even checked that out yet. I just went out in the driveway and took a look at it.What is the best way to check that bolt? Did you have to pull the shock out or were you able to pull it out by just getting the truck off the ground?

 

All you have to do is visually check to see if its loose or worn down. Grab the shock, wiggle it around, it shouldn't wiggle! If it does, then pull the bolt out. Youdon't have to jack up the tire. On the front, the nut stays put via a little flag that catches the frame as you turn the bolt; on the rear, I thinks its the same setup, or it maybe aregular nut and bolt setup, its been a while. Either way, its really easy.

 

I checked it this morning, but could not visually see any wear in the bolts. But most of the bolt is covered by the shock so it could be hidden. I also tried to move the shock and got no play in it. I also noticed this morning that the sound was gone. I must have not noticed this previously because I was getting use to it. But what you have described as feeling it in the passenger floor board is exactly what it is. I dont know it the bolt has shifted and caused it to stop or what is going on now, but I guess i need to back those bolts out and see first if that is the issue.

 

i also have a popping sound however i know that my problem is the steering... try grabbing the steering rods and moving them if they move thats the problem, however its not really a problem because most people also have it and dont do anything about it

 

maybe your u joints? my front driver tire makes that click and it goes away when i put the brakes on.