Just installed some bilstein 5100 shocks in my 02 screw w/ a fabtech 6" lift. Before with the factory shocks, their was a "thump/clunk" noise in the rear after about a year during the initial acceleration from a stop sign/light. I figured its from the upper shock mount rubbers being worn allowing the shock piston rods to move in the mounts. After installing the 5100s w/ new mounting rubbers, im still having the thumping noise, even with the mount nuts tightened as much as possible.

Does anyone have a suggestion on getting this noise to go away (turning the radio up doesnt help hehehe )

 

Does this noise only happen on acceleration? Does it happen during deceleration, or bumpy roads? How about corners? I'm not entirely sure this isn't a drive-line related issue. Do you hear it while the transmission shifts?

 

During the initial "gas pedal push" during acceleration and after the truck rear-end settles after a hard stop. It does not do it during deceleration (except as noted before), does not do it on bumpy roads, nor around corners, nor when it shifts.
It is 100% related to the truck body shifting on the suspension, as i have been hunting this issue down for 2 years now, and their is was no difference from before and after the noise started as far as driving differences. It actually started about 1 1/2 to 2 years after i installed the lift kit, and if you would of seen the rubber upper mount bushings that i removed, you would understand why i thought it was the shocks.
matter of fact, if you slow down to a crawl before stopping, it doesn't make the thumping noise during the initial acceleration, it is just after normal to heavy braking stop.

The shock piston rods going into the upper mounts are at a steeper angle than factory, and the mount bushings do not make a very good "squish" to the mount when tightened down, hence why I am thinking it may be shock related. I'll try and get some pictures tomorrow to post.

The only other thing i have not done, is go back around and tighten up the suspension components in the rear (i've been lazy about it).

 

After two and a half years ive found my thumping noise issues in the rear end. ive got a 2002 harley havidson edition. i replaced my rear leaf springs with come factory with a 6 inch bow to a 8 inch bow. after installing the new springs i added a set of two inch rear lower shackles to lower the rear down to factory spec's. the orginal leaf springs were collasped. If you havent approached this task give it a thought. by doing this ive solved my issues.

harley2002