2023 RST 3.0L / Max Tow Rear clunking & creaking sounds

[MrMagloo]

I just got over 6,000 miles and I'm noting a couple of things in the rear.

 

Firstly, off the line it's fine, but that 1st to 2nd shift comes with a clunk and slight lurch.  2nd to 3rd and all others seem fine.  Seems like something back there isn't tight or solid.

 

Which brings me to the next thing that seems to getting worse, when backing out of my driveway, coming off the curb, I get some creaking.  I thought at first the spare tire was loose, but that seems solid. I cannot pinpoint it as when I crawl under there, everything seems solid?

 

I thought I read some others mentioning this, but I cannot seem to find the thread?  Any ideas?

[MrMagloo]

Well fwiw, I found the leaf spring U-Bolts and the Shock nuts loose. Solved about 80% of the issue.  The U-Bolt nuts were ridiculously loose. Probably took 2 full turns of each to get into spec.

[Steve-2019]

Man, that really does suck!  Curious as to where your truck was built?

[MrMagloo]

1 hour ago, Steve-2019 said:

Man, that really does suck!  Curious as to where your truck was built?

 

Oh gosh, I hate to say Mexico.  I'm dreading the thought of double-checking every frigging fastener on this thing before towing anything substantial.

[BigBadSierra]

Wash the springs and spray some silicone lube into them. See if they stop.

[newdude]

On 8/16/2023 at 12:47 PM, MrMagloo said:

 

Oh gosh, I hate to say Mexico.  I'm dreading the thought of double-checking every frigging fastener on this thing before towing anything substantial.

 

 

The u-bolt issue is not plant specific.  US trucks do this as well.  

Edited August 18, 2023 by newdude

[MrMagloo]

Well, after torquing everything to spec, it does feel much more planted and solid.  The 1st to 2nd shift clunk/lurch is gone.

 

However, now I can hear the Multi-Gate tailgate making some sounds when backing off a curb.  Doesn't seem to be any kind of bumper stops to adjust.  Has anyone found a solution for noisy tailgates?  Not sure if adjusting the latches will have enough adjust-ability to to effect much.