Low XC???

Good day all,
So I noticed that my 2015 XC is sitting much lower to the ground then when I bought it. I have max 15 hours on it and have about 7" of clearance. I remember it being higher when I bought it… also After about 10 mins of riding I start to hear thumps coming from the spring/shock area. Not like it’s bottoming out or anything, I think it’s just when the spring/shocks are extended and then start to compress is when I hear it.
I have that recall notice I have to bring it in for but I want to try and see if I can fix this issue before I bring it in.