'13 RAM 1500 several fixes

[westernjeep401]

I've posted one thread on the 13 RAM 1500 crew with the 6.4' bed. Several other folks have commented their RAM's having a "twang", knock, or similar from different locations. Mine has been making a snap/knock/twang sound from the rear, especially at slow speed when going over uneven surfaces.

I finally had enough and spent some time tracking it down. It was the right rear coil spring; the foot of the coil didn't fit totally flat in the spring bucket on the axle. Each time I'd roll-over something, on the drop, the spring would "walk" like 1mm in the bucket, which would resonate through the coil, into the frame, and sound-off throughout the truck.

The fix is to support the frame, remove the right rear wheel, disconnect the lower shock mount, disconnect the rear stabilizer bar link, slowly lower the axle until the spring completely unloads from the mount, remove, clean the surface, use synthetic lube or something similar to create a thin film on the surface of the spring mount surface, reverse everything to install. No more twang.

This was a good time to do a brake inspection, rotate tires, and torque lug nuts to spec.

[dbj216]

Thanks for posting your diagnosis and repair. Now we have one less irritation to deal with.

Is it possible to simply apply ample lub in the spring bucket?

David

[westernjeep401]

Originally Posted by dbj216

Thanks for posting your diagnosis and repair. Now we have one less irritation to deal with.

Is it possible to simply apply ample lub in the spring bucket?

David

Couple weeks ago I sprayed the lower mount in question with some SILIKROIL, but it did not get under the spring where it contacted the mount. The only way to do something lasting is just remove and lub. It only takes about 15 minutes; 30 for tire rotation, brake/chassis inspection.

Oh, and the brake line/wheel speed sensor wiring has enough slack to accommodate the drop without being stressed IF you bend the spring steel hanger down about 1/2".

[Isuzusweet]

I don't mean to be a goof, but to all those attempting this PLEASE chock the front wheels of your truck before attempting to raise the rear. Also please be cautious in lowering the jack once you have disconected everything and even more cautious raising the lower control arm with the spring in the bucket. Eating a spring for lunch will put a whole new smile on your face.

Just saying, because these days common sense can be a little hard to come by and the last thing we need is litigation from someone with no common sense.

Cheers
Tony

[westernjeep401]

.......

Ok, if with this repair, or any other that the person feels that they are not capable to affect repairs safely, do not attempt. Locate a repair facility that is qualified to do the job.