Hey guys, I have had a 2" lvl kit on my truck for a about 6months now. Last weekend I was changing my oil and yes while this is hard to admit I didnt check to see but I the gasket from the old oil filter stayed on there while I was changing it. This obviously led to a large amount of oil under and being thrown all over the engine bay. After I got that fixed I noticed that my suspension started squeaking like hell. It stayed doing this throughout the week but it was most noticeable while backing out and the and the steering wheel turned to the left. So a couple of questions could the distribution of oil account for that? Also, while looking around tonite I noticed some cracks my struts...I dont know if this is merely cosmetic or an issue. Please see pics below. Thanks for any and all help.

Passenger Side



Driver Side

 

Hmm... those look like original shocks on a '05.

I'd say replace them. I'd do all 4 corners. Rears are easy... fronts you need a spring compressor for the coils.

I'd either go with Motorcraft or Monroe Sensatrak or KYB Gas Shocks for OEM equiv. Replace any shock tower bushings and grease them up too.

While you are at it, I'd check the play in the upper and lower ball joints too.

 

I know dumb question but could this be why its squeak as bad as it is? By the way I updated the pics. Also, about the shocks you recommended, would those be fine for a 2" lvled truck?

 

Oh what about the Bilstein 5100's?

 

Stock shocks will work since you have a leveling kit. The 5100's would allow you to replace the leveling kit and retain your current height.

As for the cracks, they looks to be just cosmetic, however if they're the originals, and you have more than 60k they're most likely worn out completely or close too it. The ball joints and tie rod ends would be pretty worn at that point too. All of those things could cause the squeaking, and the leaked oil if it got up in there would've definitely helped make the sound more prominent.

 

Those are just covers on the OEM struts. Not to say they don't serve a purpose, at this point letting water/dirt in will wear them out more.

As far as the squeak, my friend's dad with an Explorer had a similar issue but it was in drive also, needed sway arm bushings.


x2, solid advice. Motorcaft shocks/struts are crap and wear out in a short amount of time. I changed my shocks/struts on my '04 at 80k miles to Bilstein 5100s, noticed an improvement. This truck I replaced them at 116k when I finally noticed hard bumps and slow bounce response with the Rancho units, major improvement. The older they are in miles the faster they go out.

To be honest, I would do a complete overhaul and knock everything out at once. Struts, I myself would probably do new coils too. Upper & lower ball joints, outer tie rod ends, control arm bushings, sway arm bushings, everything except wheel bearings until needed. And stuff as much Moog products under it as possible. If you are going to get an alignment and your truck is an '05, may just as well update everything under it.

 

^^^ Great advice.

I do the same thing on my vehicles when I get it that torn down. It's just easier.

One more thing... after you do all this: Get a computerized alignment!

Can't stress it enough.

I would make an appointment as soon as you are done. Do not drive around more than 50 miles without getting it checked. You wouldn't believe the damage being off 1 degree can do to a tire.

 

I think I may have found the issue. The pic below is part of the sway bar and it seems like the lower part that goes through the control arm has some play. I tried to tighten it up and it wouldnt tighten up at all. you think that is what the whole issue is?




These pretty good replacements? http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mo...FRAV7AodLCUAZA

 

Yep, and they are cheaper at Rock Auto.

 

x2 on this. I bought my used car last summer, they put brand new tires up front. I later looked them up and they were a $55 each chinese type tire. I never gave it a thought to get the alignment checked before I started putting miles on it. Right around 8,000 miles I noticed the insides worn down. Probably would have lasted longer had I had the alignment checked. Alignment is a must to have tires last, and a vehicle drive good and smooth. Lesson learned, but I now have nicer Cooper tires out of the ordeal anyway.