Rear End "CLUNK"

Brought deuce out for Memorial Day parade. Everything fine at first. Then turned a corner & got a VERY diistinct clunk from somewhere in the rear. You could easily feel it in the front seat. Took it real slow after that. Had to finish the parade. Problem occured several more times on way home. Did it once when just turning slightly to pull away from curb.


Because of my back, I haven't been able to look at it yet, but wondered if someone might have some suggestions as to the most likely cause?

I really hate having it deadlined.



Any advice appreciated.

Thanks,

Eric



1970 AM General Deuce

Eric,
Where is Knox? I'm in Fort Branch, just north of Evansville. I'll have some free time later on next week. Want some help if you're not too far away?

Thanks very much for the offer Desert Rat! But I'm way the heck up in Northern Indiana, near South Bend.

Right now, I'd just appreciate any suggestions. When I have a day when my back isn't too bad, I'll start checking it out.

ADVICE TO ALL: Don't try to catch an engine!

Eric

Sound advice. That could be bad for you.
Also, how long have you had the deuce? That sounds like it could be a detroit in the rear...

If it's only doing it when you turn, I'd check the bogie bearings. There is a shaft that the rear suspension rotates on. If you look between the axles on eather side you will see a cap with 6 bolts holding it on. Behind this cap is some taper bearings. Later on they changed to brass bushings because the roller cages broke and let the rear suspension piviot right or left. Allowing the truck to side track going down the road. this bearing housing has grease fittings that need greasing often. you have to loosen the 6 bolts and cap or you will blow out the seal on the back when pumping grease in them. Good luck!

Oh no, Mine does that to.... I thought it was the tires skipping when I turned. It only does it when I turn real sharp. I will check those bearings soon. Mark

Well I'll be darn! There it is in the Lubrication order - except they call it a "Rear Spring Seat Bushing or Bearing (See note " which says do it semiannually... And mine hasn't been touched in fifteen years. I guess you gotta figure out what size zerk to screw in the pipe plug hole? My garbage can looks like the remains from Jiffy Lube and I still haven't driven it around the block yet! I've got zerk fittings still hidden under 1/4 inch of paint. Tain't fair when you've got supply your own!

There now I feel better...

By virtue of the design, you will get clunking when turning. I get more with the semi trailer on back since the nose is arounf 7000#. The pockets on the spring hangars have space between them and the springs and the whole rear can move side to side nearly 1/2 inch. On sharp turns the kinda pop when they move. I've yet to do it but I was planning on putting some lube on the bottom of thespring where it sits in the pocket to see if I detect a change.

The leaf springs move. It's normal.