I've had my 2001 1500 with a 5.9L engine for about a year and have pulled a 4000lb trailer, have had an ATV in the bed and have had loads of firewood in the bed before. However, I just had 1200 lbs of floor tile in it when it started to make a noise when I turn. It happens when I'm turning a corner with some speed like turning at a traffic light or when I'm on a tightly curving road. Not only do I heart a thud, but maybe more importantly, there's a feeling like I just ran over a curb. It happens when turning in both directions. I haven't found the exact speed and tightness of the curve to replicate it every time, so it doesn't happen all the time by any means - only when I'm going a bit fast through the turn. It seems to be coming from the back, but I'm not real sure of that. I have not been able to try it when it is unloaded.

I have less than 100 miles on a transmission overhaul job. Could that be it or might the U-joints be damaged?

Any thoughts on where I should look?

Thanks for your thoughts.

Doug

 

Jack up the front end, and check all of your steering components. If you are getting odd noises on turns, wheel bearings, and u-joints is where I would start looking. Try shaking the tires top to bottom, and side to side, if they move, find out WHY.

U-joints you should be able to just have a look at 'em. try and wiggle the axle shafts separately.

see what ya find.

 

I'm embarrassed...It looks like my problem was shifting of the cargo. I just unloaded it and realized that my tile was still standing up but laying to the opposite side it had been - I was probably flipping it back and forth!

Thanks for your help though!

 

Oh god.... I LOVE the easy ones. Cheap too. Can't beat that with a stick.

 

That's thinkin with your dipstick... Jimmy.