I've got a clunking sound.... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Hotrod70C10 · 02-27-2003, 05:32 AM

All right, I've just noticed this within the past few days. I think it's coming from the trailing arms the bushings are shot. I was wondering if any of you with worn out bushings have noticed them popping or clunking while driving around? Sorry for the stupid question. thanks guys!

ChevLoRay · 02-27-2003, 06:34 AM

and you feel like the noise is coming from that area, what else do you want to hear from us? I mean, I understand your question, but you are in the best place to determine what is making the noise.

If you can grab hold of the trailing arms and move them by hand, I'd say that you know what you have to do. Now, do you use OEM-type bushings or do you go with polyurethane? Depends. The originals have lasted, what? 30+ years? If polyurethane will last longer, how old will you and your truck be when they wear out again? You don't want to ruin the trailing arms. Have you priced the replacement items? They do come with new bushings, tho. So, maybe they aren't such a bad deal. You might try an alignment shop person, who can help you with your decision. Be thankful that (hopefully) they aren't rusted-through, like they get to be in parts of the country that use salt on the roads, or have salty air....like those on my son-in-laws' '65. He paid $150 for a pair of used ones.

1971LT1SWBPOSI373 · 02-27-2003, 09:01 AM

I have a used set from Texas in great shape. PM me if you need them. TJ

Hotrod70C10 · 02-27-2003, 10:19 AM

Hey chevroray, I knew it was kind of a dumb question in the first place. I don't think i'm going to need trailing arms from the look of them last night when I had it up on the lift at my dad's shop. They looked to be straight. I'll look into the poly trailing arm bushings and the panhard bushings as well. Thanks

*Gee_Emm* · 02-27-2003, 10:25 AM

Maybe your driveshaft u-joints?

Long Knight · 02-27-2003, 02:30 PM

Consider taking a close look at your tracking bar if you have coils on the rear. I had a huge rattling noise until I replace the bushings in my tracking bar, tighted everything right up.

70 longbed · 02-27-2003, 02:42 PM

Hotrod70c10,

As I am rebuilding my 70, I have ordered some bushings, just because it seemed the thing to do. I have rebuilt the front end, so might as well do the rear. I just heard the other day, that these need to be pressed in; is this true? I ordered OEM style, so I can beat the old ones out? Let me know what you find out.

Slammed67 · 02-27-2003, 02:53 PM

Could be your emissions equipment........

adamls · 02-27-2003, 03:14 PM

The new bushing have to be pressed in. It is quite hard to beat the old ones out as well. I found by drilling out the rubber and relieving the pressure makes it alot easier.

70 longbed · 02-27-2003, 03:17 PM

adamls,

Not exactly what I wanted to hear, but it is what I asked for. Thanks for the information.

Alexis · 02-27-2003, 03:27 PM

You can burn out the old bushing.....wiht a 12 buck torch from a hardware store. thats what i did. the poly pushing you can putin pretty easy.

Also it could be your rear diff. i say put it on jack stand and spin it and see what happens.

Long Knight · 02-27-2003, 03:39 PM

FIRE! FIRE! he he

I love the smell of burning rubber.

Hotrod70C10 · 02-27-2003, 04:11 PM

lol slammed67! I might wanna check that out huh? I've got another question for you guys. Who has the cheapest poly bushings for the trailing arms and the tracking/panhard bar? thanks!

Hotrod70C10 · 02-27-2003, 04:14 PM

Alexis, I had my truck up on a lift at my dad's shop... it wasn't the rearend that I can tell so far. He's getting new seals for the tranny (It leaks baaaad!) and we didn't have a rearend cover gasket so i didn't pull it to see if there was anything wrong. It's a random noise so, I'm betting if I replace the bushings i'll be fine.

Long Knight · 02-27-2003, 04:26 PM

Made my own poly bushings. Wouldn't really recommend it, sort of a pain to turn down on the lathe and get smooth. Unfortunately, none of the parts store tards around home even knew what I was talking about, even after we showed them the bar on my dad's '66. They kept trying to sell me D-shaped ones for anti-sway bars.

1971LT1SWBPOSI373 · 02-27-2003, 06:33 PM

Those are panhard bushings and trailing arm bushings. Chevy Duty has them, and I'm sure alot of the other places have them that stock parts for 67-72 chevys & gmc's. You might find them at napa... but don't count on it. I burned my bushings out of my panhard with a torch, did it in about 20 minutes. It's a very easy job, once the rubber gets soft they push right out. I haven't done my trailing arms yet, but I've been told you do those the same way. If you do your panhard be sure to inspect the frame mount. My frame mount had elongated holes and the box would make a loud clicking noise when you pushed it from side to side. I got a replacement mount for it from MotherTruckers in Florida. Hope this helps.

Hotrod70C10 · 02-27-2003, 07:44 PM

I ordered both the trailing arm and panhard poly bushings from americanclassic for a grand total of 36 dollars with shipping! Oriley's and autozone didn't have them in either rubber or poly. In fact the guy at autozone told me that there is no such thing as a rear coil spring truck. LOL! I got a kick out of that. A classic auto parts shop here in town wanted 56 dollars for them. I'll let you guys know how my install goes in as soon as I get them in.

*Gee_Emm* · 02-27-2003, 07:49 PM

Energy suspension has the poly bushings for the trailering arm. Should be able to get them at most high perfomance shops.

1971LT1SWBPOSI373 · 02-28-2003, 08:59 AM

Let me know how those trailing arms go. I do have a question tho. I recently had my rear end out for a complete rebuild, and I will be doing my trailing arms soon also. Do any of you think I should get a 4 wheel alignment done after I finish with the trailing arms????

Long Knight · 02-28-2003, 10:05 AM

How do they realign a rearend with trailing arms?

*Gee_Emm* · 02-28-2003, 10:09 AM

I think four wheel alignments are more for newer vehicles. I am guessing that they would shim the drum backing plates out????

1971LT1SWBPOSI373 · 02-28-2003, 12:12 PM

I know that when you install a rear end that there is a small amount of movement that you can get when bolting up the trailing links with the large u-bolts.... is this something that should be checked or am I being a little too picky???

Long Knight · 02-28-2003, 12:19 PM

Just compensate the alignment on the front so you will be driving straight down the road with your truck sitting at an angle.

1971LT1SWBPOSI373 · 02-28-2003, 08:21 PM

LOL, I've seen some "clunkers" listing down the road pretty bad. It looks terrible!!!! It makes you wonder how it got that way.....

The Terminator · 02-28-2003, 09:15 PM

My "clunking" sound was the driveshaft support bearing starting to go out. $25 later, with the new U-joint, and she was as good as new

02-27-2003, 05:32 AM	#1
Hotrod70C10 Low & Slow Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,047	I've got a clunking sound.... All right, I've just noticed this within the past few days. I think it's coming from the trailing arms the bushings are shot. I was wondering if any of you with worn out bushings have noticed them popping or clunking while driving around? Sorry for the stupid question. thanks guys! __________________ 70' C-10 LWB Fleetside 4.5/6 drop

02-27-2003, 06:34 AM	#2
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	...if you know the bushings are shot... and you feel like the noise is coming from that area, what else do you want to hear from us? I mean, I understand your question, but you are in the best place to determine what is making the noise. If you can grab hold of the trailing arms and move them by hand, I'd say that you know what you have to do. Now, do you use OEM-type bushings or do you go with polyurethane? Depends. The originals have lasted, what? 30+ years? If polyurethane will last longer, how old will you and your truck be when they wear out again? You don't want to ruin the trailing arms. Have you priced the replacement items? They do come with new bushings, tho. So, maybe they aren't such a bad deal. You might try an alignment shop person, who can help you with your decision. Be thankful that (hopefully) they aren't rusted-through, like they get to be in parts of the country that use salt on the roads, or have salty air....like those on my son-in-laws' '65. He paid $150 for a pair of used ones. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

02-27-2003, 09:01 AM	#3
1971LT1SWBPOSI373 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, VA Posts: 460	I have a used set from Texas in great shape. PM me if you need them. TJ __________________ 1971 Shortbed 350/350 w/ Posi-traction 3:73's 1996 Chevy Silverado TJ in Springfield, Virginia Likes old Chevy trucks Drinks Miller MGD

02-27-2003, 10:19 AM	#4
Hotrod70C10 Low & Slow Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,047	Hey chevroray, I knew it was kind of a dumb question in the first place. I don't think i'm going to need trailing arms from the look of them last night when I had it up on the lift at my dad's shop. They looked to be straight. I'll look into the poly trailing arm bushings and the panhard bushings as well. Thanks __________________ 70' C-10 LWB Fleetside 4.5/6 drop

02-27-2003, 02:30 PM	#6
Long Knight Spank 'em if you got 'em! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kansas City Posts: 628	Consider taking a close look at your tracking bar if you have coils on the rear. I had a huge rattling noise until I replace the bushings in my tracking bar, tighted everything right up. __________________ Long Knight '71 C-20, 350ci, TH350, Edl. 1406 Carb w/elec.choke, Ignitor ignition, Viper Tires, Orange Dipstick

02-27-2003, 10:25 AM	#5
Gee_Emm Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 4,002	Maybe your driveshaft u-joints?

02-27-2003, 02:42 PM	#7
70 longbed Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Sierra Vista, AZ Posts: 490	Hotrod70c10, As I am rebuilding my 70, I have ordered some bushings, just because it seemed the thing to do. I have rebuilt the front end, so might as well do the rear. I just heard the other day, that these need to be pressed in; is this true? I ordered OEM style, so I can beat the old ones out? Let me know what you find out.

02-27-2003, 02:53 PM	#8
Slammed67 Progress = 0% Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 2,108	Could be your emissions equipment........ __________________ Jason - '67 GMC swb \| '57 Bel-Air 4dr hardtop \| '56 210 4dr Wagon \| 2000 GMC Sierra

02-27-2003, 03:14 PM	#9
adamls Gotta Startem Early Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Amarillo, TX, USA Posts: 364	The new bushing have to be pressed in. It is quite hard to beat the old ones out as well. I found by drilling out the rubber and relieving the pressure makes it alot easier. __________________ 67 SWB In Progress, one piece at a time, maybe 3 years I will be finished

02-27-2003, 03:17 PM	#10
70 longbed Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Sierra Vista, AZ Posts: 490	adamls, Not exactly what I wanted to hear, but it is what I asked for. Thanks for the information. __________________ Keith 70 CST longbed in progress. Hoping to get it back on the road soon.

02-27-2003, 03:27 PM	#11
Alexis Member since 2000 Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Mountain View Ca / Mexico Posts: 7,879	You can burn out the old bushing.....wiht a 12 buck torch from a hardware store. thats what i did. the poly pushing you can putin pretty easy. Also it could be your rear diff. i say put it on jack stand and spin it and see what happens.

02-27-2003, 03:39 PM	#12
Long Knight Spank 'em if you got 'em! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kansas City Posts: 628	FIRE! FIRE! he he I love the smell of burning rubber. __________________ Long Knight '71 C-20, 350ci, TH350, Edl. 1406 Carb w/elec.choke, Ignitor ignition, Viper Tires, Orange Dipstick

02-27-2003, 04:11 PM	#13
Hotrod70C10 Low & Slow Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,047	lol slammed67! I might wanna check that out huh? I've got another question for you guys. Who has the cheapest poly bushings for the trailing arms and the tracking/panhard bar? thanks! __________________ 70' C-10 LWB Fleetside 4.5/6 drop

02-27-2003, 04:14 PM	#14
Hotrod70C10 Low & Slow Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,047	Alexis, I had my truck up on a lift at my dad's shop... it wasn't the rearend that I can tell so far. He's getting new seals for the tranny (It leaks baaaad!) and we didn't have a rearend cover gasket so i didn't pull it to see if there was anything wrong. It's a random noise so, I'm betting if I replace the bushings i'll be fine. __________________ 70' C-10 LWB Fleetside 4.5/6 drop

02-27-2003, 04:26 PM	#15
Long Knight Spank 'em if you got 'em! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kansas City Posts: 628	Made my own poly bushings. Wouldn't really recommend it, sort of a pain to turn down on the lathe and get smooth. Unfortunately, none of the parts store tards around home even knew what I was talking about, even after we showed them the bar on my dad's '66. They kept trying to sell me D-shaped ones for anti-sway bars. __________________ Long Knight '71 C-20, 350ci, TH350, Edl. 1406 Carb w/elec.choke, Ignitor ignition, Viper Tires, Orange Dipstick



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02-27-2003, 06:33 PM	#16
1971LT1SWBPOSI373 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, VA Posts: 460	Those are panhard bushings and trailing arm bushings. Chevy Duty has them, and I'm sure alot of the other places have them that stock parts for 67-72 chevys & gmc's. You might find them at napa... but don't count on it. I burned my bushings out of my panhard with a torch, did it in about 20 minutes. It's a very easy job, once the rubber gets soft they push right out. I haven't done my trailing arms yet, but I've been told you do those the same way. If you do your panhard be sure to inspect the frame mount. My frame mount had elongated holes and the box would make a loud clicking noise when you pushed it from side to side. I got a replacement mount for it from MotherTruckers in Florida. Hope this helps. __________________ 1971 Shortbed 350/350 w/ Posi-traction 3:73's 1996 Chevy Silverado TJ in Springfield, Virginia Likes old Chevy trucks Drinks Miller MGD

02-27-2003, 07:44 PM	#17
Hotrod70C10 Low & Slow Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,047	I ordered both the trailing arm and panhard poly bushings from americanclassic for a grand total of 36 dollars with shipping! Oriley's and autozone didn't have them in either rubber or poly. In fact the guy at autozone told me that there is no such thing as a rear coil spring truck. LOL! I got a kick out of that. A classic auto parts shop here in town wanted 56 dollars for them. I'll let you guys know how my install goes in as soon as I get them in. __________________ 70' C-10 LWB Fleetside 4.5/6 drop

02-27-2003, 07:49 PM	#18
Gee_Emm Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 4,002	Energy suspension has the poly bushings for the trailering arm. Should be able to get them at most high perfomance shops.

02-28-2003, 08:59 AM	#19
1971LT1SWBPOSI373 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, VA Posts: 460	Let me know how those trailing arms go. I do have a question tho. I recently had my rear end out for a complete rebuild, and I will be doing my trailing arms soon also. Do any of you think I should get a 4 wheel alignment done after I finish with the trailing arms???? __________________ 1971 Shortbed 350/350 w/ Posi-traction 3:73's 1996 Chevy Silverado TJ in Springfield, Virginia Likes old Chevy trucks Drinks Miller MGD

02-28-2003, 10:05 AM	#20
Long Knight Spank 'em if you got 'em! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kansas City Posts: 628	How do they realign a rearend with trailing arms? __________________ Long Knight '71 C-20, 350ci, TH350, Edl. 1406 Carb w/elec.choke, Ignitor ignition, Viper Tires, Orange Dipstick

02-28-2003, 10:09 AM	#21
Gee_Emm Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 4,002	I think four wheel alignments are more for newer vehicles. I am guessing that they would shim the drum backing plates out????

02-28-2003, 12:12 PM	#22
1971LT1SWBPOSI373 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, VA Posts: 460	I know that when you install a rear end that there is a small amount of movement that you can get when bolting up the trailing links with the large u-bolts.... is this something that should be checked or am I being a little too picky??? __________________ 1971 Shortbed 350/350 w/ Posi-traction 3:73's 1996 Chevy Silverado TJ in Springfield, Virginia Likes old Chevy trucks Drinks Miller MGD

02-28-2003, 12:19 PM	#23
Long Knight Spank 'em if you got 'em! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kansas City Posts: 628	Just compensate the alignment on the front so you will be driving straight down the road with your truck sitting at an angle. __________________ Long Knight '71 C-20, 350ci, TH350, Edl. 1406 Carb w/elec.choke, Ignitor ignition, Viper Tires, Orange Dipstick

02-28-2003, 08:21 PM	#24
1971LT1SWBPOSI373 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, VA Posts: 460	LOL, I've seen some "clunkers" listing down the road pretty bad. It looks terrible!!!! It makes you wonder how it got that way..... __________________ 1971 Shortbed 350/350 w/ Posi-traction 3:73's 1996 Chevy Silverado TJ in Springfield, Virginia Likes old Chevy trucks Drinks Miller MGD

02-28-2003, 09:15 PM	#25
The Terminator Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Dallas, GA 35 miles northwest of the armpit Posts: 51	My "clunking" sound was the driveshaft support bearing starting to go out. $25 later, with the new U-joint, and she was as good as new __________________ The Terminator John 3:16 1968 C10 SWB Stepside

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