Rattling noise on small bumps

[olcoacher]

I own a 1998 XLT 4WD. I absolutely love it. I am hearing a rattling noise in the back when I hit the smallest bump. I can't find it. I thought it might be the rear wiper - maybe some of it - but not all. Any ideas before I start taking things apart? Could it be something in the spare tire section? I do have the third seat out.

 

[joecrotch]

Had the same thing, for me it was my spare tire. It was not cranked up all the way so the tire was moving around a little on bumps.

 

[1997SCEBFEX]

Did you check your shock(s) torque. They're known to work their selves loose over time and you'll get a rattle/jingle.

 

[Thermo]

olcoacher, look at your lower shock mounts in the rear. I bet you replaced your shocks about 5-7K miles ago. You can try tightening the lower mounts to "spot torque" (you know, tighten them till you see spots). But, in some cases, you have to get a slightly longer shim that slides in the center of the shock mount (replace the folded piece of metal piece that comes with the shock) to get the proper fit. The aftermarket people were given the wrong specs for the size of the metal tube that goes in the shocks. This results in the shock bolt not clamping down on the metal tube, leading ot movement over time.

A quick dive under the truck and then using your legs/arms to bounce the truck up and down a little as you watch the lower mounts is all it takes to verify your lower shock mounts are loose.

 

[99 Expy]

I have had a couple noises I've fixed before. The first was similar to yours, and it turned out that my lower bolts on the shocks had worn/rusted down a little and you could actually shake the shock. The other was my lower rear sway bar bolts somehow came about a 1/4 of a turn loose, but that was more of a loud clunk.