Clunk/thud while accelerating/slowing down

nadrojcote · June 1, 2015

Its not recommended to loosen and tighten u bolts. The threads are only designed to be used once. You might end up having them loosen off again.

BOOMER119 · June 3, 2015

Well if anyone is interested to know I installed some clamps on my leafs and it helped a lot, the clunking is still there but its very minor compared to before. It shifts nice, fast and smooth now with my diablosport.. I think I will still replace my old leafs to improve the ride. I couldnt find leaf clamps anywhere at this time of night so I bought shackle straps and bolts. They seem to hold in really well.

Where can I find these shackle strap and bolt kits? I've been to Pep Boys & Auto Zone. All they have are U bolt kits. Can't seem to locate them on the internet either. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

nadrojcote · June 3, 2015

Where can I find these shackle strap and bolt kits? I've been to Pep Boys & Auto Zone. All they have are U bolt kits. Can't seem to locate them on the internet either. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

shackle straps were just an alternative to leaf clamps. Check auto zone for 2.5" leaf clamps.

Silverado-Hareek · June 3, 2015

If not all trucks have this issue, then why clamp your leaf springs to solve it? It seems something else is to blame that you'd think is fixable by the dealer.

nadrojcote · June 3, 2015

The leafs loosen up and flex more than a new truck over time. This was the cause of my issue and I'm out of warranty. Clamping reduces leaf flex, which in turn prevent axle wrap, which was the cause of my thud. Its a common problem that's been happening since the previous generation. Its caused by gm choosing very soft leaf packs for a better factory ride comfort.

Jackseric · June 3, 2015

The leafs loosen up and flex more than a new truck over time. This was the cause of my issue and I'm out of warranty. Clamping reduces leaf flex, which in turn prevent axle wrap, which was the cause of my thud. Its a common problem that's been happening since the previous generation. Its caused by gm choosing very soft leaf packs for a better factory ride comfort.

By this reasoning, then this clamping should stiffen up the ride and make for a shitty ride. Is that right?

nadrojcote · June 3, 2015

By this reasoning, then this clamping should stiffen up the ride and make for a shitty ride. Is that right?

it stiffens it up a bit, but not a shitty ride by any means. Most people that do it prefer the ride afterwards because of the planted feeling it gives.

Silverado-Hareek · June 4, 2015

The leafs loosen up and flex more than a new truck over time. This was the cause of my issue and I'm out of warranty. Clamping reduces leaf flex, which in turn prevent axle wrap, which was the cause of my thud. Its a common problem that's been happening since the previous generation. Its caused by gm choosing very soft leaf packs for a better factory ride comfort.

So what's the alternative replacing the leafs with aftermarket parts that are stiffer/better quality?

nadrojcote · June 4, 2015

So what's the alternative replacing the leafs with aftermarket parts that are stiffer/better quality?

Basically yes, you could get a stronger leaf pack, but they will make the ride harsher.

fondupot · June 8, 2015

Where can I find these shackle strap and bolt kits? I've been to Pep Boys & Auto Zone. All they have are U bolt kits. Can't seem to locate them on the internet either. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Boomer, I accidentally ordered two sets of straps. So I have another pair laying around. PM me and we can talk. They were like $5 +$5 for shipping from a website.

All you would need is the bolts, which I got on Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GJ7DXQ?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00

Super cheap mod. Makes a big difference with the noise of the springs and the slip yoke clunk. The trans seems to shift a lot better now that there isn't a ton of axle wrap.

By this reasoning, then this clamping should stiffen up the ride and make for a shitty ride. Is that right?

I really didn't notice any difference in ride quality, but I have Bilstein 5100's. The rear end seems a bit more planted though.

nadrojcote · June 8, 2015

If you have an autozone near you, you can also buy these. They're $15 for the kit, but you probably want to grab some washers.

http://www.autozone.com/suspension-steering-tire-and-wheel/leaf-spring-clamp-kit/superior-automotive-leaf-spring-clamp-kit/541729_0_0/

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/SPR4/131401A/N0723.oap?ck=Search_N0723_-1_-1&pt=N0723&ppt=C0192

Best price would be on amazon. I believe the kit comes with two sets.

http://www.amazon.com/Superior-13-1401-Leaf-Spring-Clamp/dp/B00029K1ZS

EDIT: Never mind the shipping kills it.

The actual fix for this issue is to use a clamp kit like that. I used shackle straps because that's all I could find locally. The shackle straps I've noticed are heavier duty though.