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Fox 2.0 install woes...

dguns18

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Hello,

I recently installed a set of Fox 2.0 Coilovers onto my 2021 Ford Ranger XLT FX4. The install went okay, with a couple small hiccups, which I will detail below. The current issue is that on the front driver's side suspension, is a strange creaking noise when I rock the vehicle. I can't pinpoint the noise exactly, but it is most evident when rocking the vehicle up/down by stepping on the side step. When installing, I torqued everything to spec, and have driven it a few times without any issues, and am planning on getting the alignment done asap, but it drives straight as it is.

The only issues with the install were that I could not get the out tie rod end from the knuckle with many blows with a hammer. Eventually I gave up and was able to get the old shock out/new one in without removing it.

Next Issue is I lost one of the washers for the bottom shock mount, so one of the bolts doesn't have a washer, I can't imagine that's the cause of the issue, since it was torqued correctly, and I rechecked the torque today and it was good.

I also removed the axle nut and reinstalled it to the recommended toque, and I figure if that was the issue then the vehicle would be driving rough, or be severely misaligned, which isn't the case.

The vehicle drives great, and I love the new shocks in everyway. But the issue of the creaking is driving me nuts, I can't imagine its a major issue since the vehicle drives fine, but still needs to be addressed.

Any suggestions on what it could be or the next steps to take? I've already went through and retorqued everything and all is well on that front.

I have a video of the noise its making if that helps and I can find a way to upload it.

Thanks in advance!
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Pinepig

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Mine had a little noise when i was done, tracked it down to a almost imperceptible movement in one of the sway bar ends that I didn't quite get correct. There is always a little side loading on them when torquing them up, it's possible you had one hang up a bit like I did.
 
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dguns18

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Update:

Took apart the whole assembly again, and installed the old coilover. The noise is now gone. I looked at the fox coilover,and on the second coil from the top, it looks like it's been scraping something. In my opinion, when the coil is compressed, it is running on the top black cylinder thing, causing the noise. Any ideas?

20210803_135040.jpg
 

Sandman

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Update:

Took apart the whole assembly again, and installed the old coilover. The noise is now gone. I looked at the fox coilover,and on the second coil from the top, it looks like it's been scraping something. In my opinion, when the coil is compressed, it is running on the top black cylinder thing, causing the noise. Any ideas?

20210803_135040.jpg
Mine rubs on the black part and squeaks the same. I suspect I have too much preload and plan to get heavier springs.
 
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dguns18

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Mine rubs on the black part and squeaks the same. I suspect I have too much preload and plan to get heavier springs.
I called Fox yesterday and they said some rubbing is normal until it settles after a few hundred miles. Dont know if I particularly buy that, but I got the truck aligned by my Ford dealer and it drives great. Still squeaks, but hopefully that goes away after a while.
 


Sandman

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I called Fox yesterday and they said some rubbing is normal until it settles after a few hundred miles. Dont know if I particularly buy that, but I got the truck aligned by my Ford dealer and it drives great. Still squeaks, but hopefully that goes away after a while.
I've had mine on for over 20k miles and if anything they squeak worse.
 

Trigganometry

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Try some graphene spray. Stuff is hard as diamond and won’t wear off easily. Looks like rubbing for sure. Which Fox shocks you have?
 

DRVMN

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I like the Lithium grease idea . . . if the noise goes away, you would have definitely found the squeak.
 

Trigganometry

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I like the Lithium grease idea . . . if the noise goes away, you would have definitely found the squeak.
Problem with greases is it will act like a magnet for fine sand particulates. Over time they will act like sandpaper and build up wearing surfaces. On a spring that’s not a good idea. Sets up a potential micro cracking zone. That’s why I said graphene. It’s a coating and will repell dust and dirt.
 
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dguns18

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Try some graphene spray. Stuff is hard as diamond and won’t wear off easily. Looks like rubbing for sure. Which Fox shocks you have?
Just the standard Fox 2.0 coilover. I'll look into the graphene spray, thanks!
 
 








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