Any reason why the truck sometimes feels smooth as butter and solid on rough roads, while other times it clunks and rattles and feels "loose"?

Ambient temps dont seem to matter.

Compressor has been replaced already and i dont have any warning lights.

Could it be ECU sometimes not reading the road input properly? Sounds weird but electrics could always be suspect i guess.

 

front lower control arms would be the first thing to look at, and check the upper, and rear upper and lower. If they are worn, it can at times feel "loose"

 

Per the jpg below, there are two oil filled rubber bushings that tie the rear stabilizer bar to the underside of the body. The "oil" leaks out or the rubber wears and noise is transmitted into the vehicle from "somewhere".

Per the unseenone post, the odds are the problem is the lower front A arms however.

Replaced Lower A Arms rather than ball joints.

The part number for the bushings is LR015336.

 

Thanks for replies. Lower a arms have been replaced. Two years ago. I know thats related to a nasty clunk most report about. (Should have mentioned that. Sorry)

Hard to explain. Its not a localized noise. Its like the whole vehicle is "loose". Like all the parts are not in sync as it rolls over rough tarmac.

I guess i was trying to convey this isnt a constant problem. Its intermittent. Its felt in the way the vehicle rides only sometimes.

I actually have those bushings ready to be replaced. Just waiting for the rain to stop.

Im sure thatll help the ride overall but im still feeling this issue is related to how the computer is interpreting the road input, and failing to respond properly. Is that even how this truck works?

Thanks again for any input.

 

Yes, the air system computers could play a part in the ride as something controls the left right air valves in each of the axle block valves.

About all I can suggest is a slow process of elimination. Install those rear suspension bushings; confirm that tyre wear is even - as in wheel alignment; also that those two dampeners at the rear, each located almost beside each of the two tail pipes is moving freely back and forth - they do matter - they are not there just to make your 3 heavier.

There is not much else one can guess at as what you are referring to, while no doubt real, is very subjective when trying to troubleshoot.

 

Allright.
Maybe it hinges on my mood. Hehe.
I wonder what the swinging weights were. Saw those when installing the trailer harness. They are swinging freely.
Bushings soon. Ill report back.

Off topic real quick. Since you have been so helpful. Changed the thermostat today. Easy. But i found what i think is the spark plug plastic cover part (both of them) loose while i was in there. Are they supposed to affix to something?

 

I do not know what holds them on but I assume it is some plastic tabs that have broken off. I was not certain I did not see one of them under that oily hose at the oil fill end in your jpg.

Sometimes this stuff matters - to some degree the covers are for cosmetics but some relate to sound or temperature control; hence I am loath just to ignore the concern when it arises.

We will see what others say.

 

The hanging weights are harmonic sound dampers, and I suspect angle sensors. In the UK I've read they disintegrate eventually, something to look for in wintery places. I have actually convinced some friends that they put the weights on it so you can drive underwater..

The plastic covers over the valve cover are not held on by much, they are some sort of heat shield. They looked pretty flimsy when we put mine back on. Only fix would be to replace them if they won't stay on and cannot be attached. They sit over some bolts on the valve cover. You'll note some valve cover are bolts, and some are have a threaded bit, with a nut on them. If I recall, it sits on some of those.. I need to look again.

 

No, it is true, just ask the Australians. It is routine for some of them to do thirty fording's just so the kids can see Grandma on the weekend.

Well the creeks were dry when they drove up, but well, there were showers overnight and ....

The weights are needed to compensate for the fuel tank getting empty.

 

Im going to need the weights with all the rain in CO. Recently.

But it makes sence to mimic the sloshing of fuel.