Mild Vibration after level kit, shocks, and new tires - help

[Ezekiel2517]

I recently added a 1.5" motofab level kit, along with Bilstein 4600s, and Nitto Terrra Grappler G2 275/60/R20s (33"). I did them all at the same time, basically within a week.

 

I immediately had issues with my rack and pinion making a clicking sound. It was replaced by the dealer, but no they must have not checked it out because now I have to take it back for a slight pop it makes when I turn the wheel toward full turn.

 

When I hit 60+ mph I notice a slight vibration or shimmy that I cant seem to pinpoint. I have had the tires balanced twice, and one of those was a road force balance. The feeling is almost like that of a slight bad spot on a tire. It is has a frequency like that if that makes any sense. High frequency but not continuous. I had them rotated and could not tell a significant difference though. It does not shake the steering wheel visibly but I can feel the vibration. I can feel it through the pedal too just a bit. It is somewhat fatiguing to drive.

 

I only got up to speed once in the week before I had my rotation and changed the tires. I recall that I noticed this shimmy then, but at the time I figured maybe I just needed an alignment. On my old set of tires I always thought I had a bad spot on one of them similar to this feeling as well. It was and still is now most noticeable on ultra-smooth hotmix roads.

 

Does anyone have any ideas what I could check? If it was a tire, the only way I think I could find it is to take them off one at a time and try the spare.

 

Could it have anything to do with the level kit or shocks installation? I am not too confident in the installation of the shocks into the coil overs cuz the shop I used to press them was kinda shady. Im not sure if you can screw that up or not.

 

Could there be any other condition that could cause it? A wheel bearing? That would seem highly unlikely through.

 

Any ideas on what top check would be helpful. Thanks for your help.

[ChevyRoofer]

Not an expert, but have you tried taking off your leveling spacer kit?

 

I've heard lots of complaints that these do make popping noises at full lock/going over speed bumps.

 

I'm pretty sure you can run a 275/60/20 without a leveling kit as well. Take it off and see if that's the noise.

 

And if you're still wanting a level after, maybe try the Bilstein 5100 shocks to achieve the lift in the front w/ a 2" block for the back.

[Ezekiel2517]

Thanks. The clunk could very well be the kit. It didnt do it after my original install though, so whatever the dealer did, caused it.

 

i was originally planning on 5100s and would still like to go that route. At this point I am scared to mess with the front end for fear of the rack and pinion issue again. Im not sure how that slight lift caused that issue almost immediately. Unless it had been there mildly and i never noticed before.

 

Ive been reading all the vibration posts. Man, there is a lot of info our there...

[Matthewsteven1989]

Did you ever figure out your vibration? I have a level kit on my truck and im getting a mild vibration at highway speeds as well... with brand new 265 70 17 tires.

[Undusclosed]

I have the same issue with 5100s at 2 inches? Can't figure it out.

[pokismoki]

i would put it on a lift and gently torque by hand all bolts under the chassis... get aglignment done, grease all moveable suspension parts with a grease gun injector needle, since there are no grease fittings anywhere under the truck.

 

i've heard the rear spring packs make noise, if you got a block lift this will enhance leaf packs flexing and slapping under the truck, anti wheel hop bars might help keep the leaf springs from flexing.

Edited April 13, 2021 by pokismoki

[David Wallace]

does it also make any type of humming noise?