So I recently went wheeling this past weekend and now my front suspension seems to be making more prominent thuds when hitting bumps. Before I went it would always make a thud when hitting large bumps or potholes as would any vehicle. But now after wheeling this past weeking and hitting quite a few large bumps, holes etc... Now when I hit small bumps or potholes that normally would have made no noise at all , now makes a a thud, as if it were a much larger bump.

I have enough knowledge to know for sure that nothing is broke, because its always made the noise just like every vehicle does when hitting a large bump. It now just does it on much smaller ones.

So does anyone have any ideas on why its much louder now. Possible wore something out.. or the shocks took all they could handle.. I dont know.. But any help would be appreciated

Its a 97 ram 4x4 w/ completely stock suspension. And if it makes any difference it has larger tires, 305/70/16 (roughly 33 by 12's)

Thanks

 

Check to make sure the ball joints don't have any play and that the axle joints move freely. Either loose ball joints or sticky axle joints could make a thud type sound.

 

I'd check your ball joints first. Also, do you feel these "thuds" at all at your feet, if so, then it could be your control arm bushings.

 

I will be sure to do that as son as I get the chance. Thanks for the help.