Got a noisey 4x4 on bumpy roads?

[zugg]

Got a noisey 4x4 on bumpy roads?
How much noise does your 4x4 make driving through pot holes?
How do you make the underside of the van quiter?

Any suggestions are appreciated!

Peace,

Zugg

[Ford_6L_E350]

What kind of noise? Gravel hitting the bottom of the van? Suspension bottoming out? Something loose underneath?

Mike

[zugg]

Greetings,

I am speaking of general noise, like the sound of metal rattling-when going over cracks and bumps.
It could be my leaf springs in the rear, as they are not fully loaded, yet.

Hi Mike, I am not talking about rocks...hitting the underside.
I know my suspension is not bottoming out and it is very plush.

Does anyone out there have any sounds / noise coming from under your van, while off roading or on bumpy roads?

Does anyone have suggestions for making the underside of the van quieter?

Peace,

Zugg

[jage]

Sounds? Yes.

Abnormal sounds? No.

[pjpvi]

I think my "metal rattling" is the result of the "Badger quick release" mod to my step hoops. They are no longer securely bolted to the brackets, but held in by D-rings for quick release on the trail.
(BTW - This mod has come in handy many times.)

This rattle isn't associated with being in or out of 4wd of course, so why am I even replying?

Phil

[geoffff]

Originally Posted by zugg

Greetings,
Does anyone out there have any sounds / noise coming from under your van, while off roading or on bumpy roads?

I don't think you should be hearing any new sounds when offroading. I certainly feel the bumps in my van, but they don't make any sounds.

-- Geoff

[Ford_6L_E350]

A couple of possible sources of noise:

- The exhaust is very close to the body as it comes down from the engine. Don't count on static clearance to keep it from hitting - it can move a bunch when the engine moves on the mounts, as it might when you hit a pothole.

- The heatshield above the exhaust system could be loose.

- The spare tire could be loose.

- One of the battery cases could be loose (I lost one of the nut plates inside the frame)

- Something else could be loose.

Crawl underneath with a small deadblow hammer and start hitting things and listening for the sound you hear when hitting potholes. You might get lucky.

Mike

[zugg]

Greetings,

Thanks for the replies!

geoffff, I do not hear any "new sounds." I only hear the rattling on raised / cracked road surfaces.
Otherwise, the ride is quiet.

Phil, thanks anyway.

Mike, Thanks for the suggestions, I will try them and see what happens.
I am pretty sure the rattling sound is the rear axle leafs-as the van is not
completly converted, nor fully loaded.

Any other suggestions are appreciated!

Peace,

Zugg

[jage]

Are there urban obsticles you can reproduce the noise on... rumble strips, railroad tracks, etc.?

[zugg]

Greetings,

Jage, good point! Rumble strips are a good example to activate some noise.
Or cracks in the road that are covered with raised tar.
Try driving over those little raised reflectors,
that are positioned next to the road lines.
But try this in the daytime with no traffic!
It would be interesting to hear what other people "hear" when driving over these "urban obsticles."
Please share!

Mike,
I was under the van today, tried tapping stuff, no rattle.

I am concluding that the rear leaf springs are making the rattle.
I have Road Master springs back there.
They basically split the weight on either side of the axle.
This makes for better handling and towing.
Otherwise, the ride is quiet.

Thanks for the replies!

Peace,

Zugg