Important!: How To: Fix Yoke Clunk by Clamping Leaf Springs

[Khaos]

Most everyone that owns a GM truck knows about the infamous yoke clunk. After putting up with it for the last few months on my extended cab, I decided today that I would fix the issue.

After doing some research, there seemed to be three ways to go about fixing it: getting the updated nickel yoke from GM, packing the current yoke with grease, or clamp the leaf springs. I chose the third option due to ease of installation and adjustment.

What you'll need:

- Leaf Spring Clamp Kit (2 pack) Part# 13-1401A from AutoZone, O' Reilly's, etc. Should be the same in each store. ($15-$20) Located int he towing/trailering section of the store.
- 19mm deep socket

Install time:

- Less than 10 minutes

Where do the clamps go?

- The clamps mount approx 6" in front of the rear axle

What does this accomplish?

- By clamping the leaf springs it helps to prevent the rear from moving when you are driving, effectively eliminating the "clunk" noise


Pictures of the clamp kit you'll need:

Installed

Tightened down

Visual distance from rear (estimate, no need to be exact)

And there you have it. This quick fix eliminated that annoying clunk while driving. Hopefully this simple guide can help others that are wondering about this fix.

 

[slicksierra]

I can't tell if my RCLB has it. Sometimes if I downshift without rev matching it clunks and if I hammer it in gear after being part throttle it clunks

 

[Khaos]

Don't think that's yoke clunk. My rcsb does the same thing.

 

[slicksierra]

Don't think that's yoke clunk. My rcsb does the same thing.

If I revmatch it right it doesn't do it at all

 

[marc]

lol the infamous clunk got me a $1000 bucks off my 03 when i bought it because me and the guy selling the truck thought is was rear-end :rofl:

 

[Khaos]

Yeah, that's exactly what I DON'T want to happen, hence why I did it :laugh:

 

[Ginger]

does it ride rougher now that the overload if more in use?

 

[Khaos]

I only drove it around the block, but I'll let you know later today.

 

[Ginger]

my doesnt do it that much anymore but i dont want to clamp mine anyway 2500hd leafs are stiff enough

 

[Bassmaster]

Describe said clunking? Mine just started making a clunk/rattle when I hit big bumps or uneven surfaces. Looked it up and most said it's in the leafs.. Tis this the same thing?

Sent from my Galaxy S-Fawhore

 

[Ginger]

no, the cluck he is talking about is when the truck shifts it makes a cluck almost like a u joint is worn. yours is something worn out.

 

[Bassmaster]

Damnit. Carry on

Sent from my Galaxy S-Fawhore

 

[marc]

the clunk was very noticeable in my 03 its like the rear-end had like 1/2 a rotation of play in it .. only when driving slow when you accelerate quickly it doesn't happen (traffic jams where the worst)

 

[Khaos]

Update:

In my application, the clamp didn't make any noticeable difference in ride stiffness.

 

[marc]

did it fix the problem ?

 

[Khaos]

Yes it did.

 

[ScottyBoy]

What about people with Avalanches or Tahoe/Suburban with rear coils?
My burb has rear coils and I get the yoke clunk every so often. I just grease the shit out of my slip yoke when it starts clunking, and then it stops for about 6 months or so then the clunk comes back.

 

[HackMcMaster]

maybe coil compressors :lol:

i was planning on putting spring compressors on to make it sit 5/7
Here are the spring compressors i got. (with the safety pins)

 

[Ginger]

:facepalm: billy

 

[Cleanoh4]

maybe coil compressors :lol:

Haha jesty