New Truck

kennedycpa · July 11, 2002

Well it has been two weeks since I picked up my new truck. It is a '02 2500HD CC 4X4. So far I love it. Trying not to even watch the gas mileage, just gassing it up and driving. It took about four days to get through the 500 mile break in and driving it got a lot more fun. Pulled with it for the first time Monday. I took a few days off and went to the lake, pulled a small trailer with two Waverunners on it, not much of a load really, never knew it was back there. Made first discovery about the truck. It was nearly impossible(for me anyway) to back the trailer back into the driveway at the cabin we were staying in. I was backing into the driveway off a one lane drive with a deep ditch on the side that I couldn't get in. I finally had to unhook the trailer and push it down the driveway. Then I made my second discovery - It rides to high for my wife to see the mailbox at the cabin. As I was pushing the trailer she decided she would help by backing the truck into the driveway after the trailer was off and hit the mailbox. Now I have a date next week with the body shop -$250 and it should be good as new. I will have to wait on the tool box I guess. I am getting a Rhino liner tomorrow.

I do have a question. When I drive on rough roads, especially washboard roads I hear a rattle (I guess that is the best way to describe it). It sounds like it is coming from the front drivers side suspension. My old truck made a similar sound but it was caused by a loose exhaust pipe rattling on a leaf spring. What could be causing this noise and has anyone else heard it? Should I have it checked out or is it just normal?

JimWilson · July 11, 2002

Two weeks old and...

- the body shop already? Ouch!

- a rattling sound? Off to the dealer, of course.

BTW; if you're going to tow make sure you change the fluid in the rear diff pretty soon.

pullinpower · July 11, 2002

Man I bet you had a fit when you heard her hit the mailbox I know I would have. the clanging noise on rough roads are the rear overload springs slapping the other leafs,take it to the dealer and reqest them to install the rubber slip on isolators and the noise will be gone,I had them do to my truck and I havent heard the noise since. Post some pics I'd like to see your truck.

kennedycpa · July 11, 2002

I didn't notice the scratch or the dent until I had unloaded all the lake stuff out of the bed and walked around the truck to go inside. When I saw it I said a few choice words and my wife asked me what was wrong. I said that it that someone at the boat ramp must have hit me with a boat trailer. She said don't worry about it we will get it fixed and then we went inside and told the people with us what happened and they said no you did get hit at the lake, she hit the mailbox. My wife didn't even know it, she said she didn't hear or feel anything. Accidents happen I guess, maybe this will be the only work I will have to do to it, if so I guess we got it out of the way early. I will take the truck in as soon as I get a chance.

CMNTMXR81 · July 11, 2002

I have no problems backing mine with a trailer, but then I used to back 18 wheelers into our docks occasionally. It's just a matter of doing it often enough that you get used to it.

I do have a problem at mailboxes, ATM's, and some lower drive through windows, but that's just the price one pays for a large truck. F-250's are even worse as they are higher in stock form.

The rattle may ba a suspension piece (like an A-arm bushing) or something loose if it's coming from the front. I remember seeing as TSB for this somewhere.