2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Front end noise - steering related.

[amnewsom]

Okay, read what I have done -



D25s and Rancho's.

Did the T-style steering from a HD3500, works great.



Now I have an audible "clunk" from the front end when I turn, sometimes sharply, other times not just turning out of stop light. Most of the time the frontend is loaded - the axle moving over a bump or from the weight of the motor.



So I check most of the moving parts the only play I find is a slight amount in the box and also noticed the tie-rod hits the front cover but thats not the noise it has to be at full lock to hit.



Help me figure this out. Thanks.

 

[AKAMAC]

Check the upper shock mounts, I had to re-use the stock groments to keep the washers from over compressing and contacting the shock towers. Also make sure the bottom ones are TIGHT! Good luck, Mike

 

[MDale]

I found on mine that the lower shock bolts had wore away at the treads and made noise over bumps and tight turns. Replaced with new bolts from the dealer, $5. 00 each I think.

Hope this helps some.

 

[MHalloran]

Well if your shocks & related hardware are all tight & intact then check the ball joints--especially the lowers for any play (like side to side with a pry bar). I also had a "clunk" in my 96 when I came to a stop. Had a bad lower D. side b. joint. Replaced it--clunk gone . Whats your mileage on her?

 

[amnewsom]

Coming up on 50K, when it was aligned after the D25s and T-steering they checked the Ball-joints and said they were fine. I will check the upper mounts, the lowers have come loose before - well, one has. If I need to pull these shocks out they might just go in the trash, I shouldnt have bought Rancho but what can you do when a buddy cuts you a great deal. I will re-check everything tonight.

 

[Dane]

I had a similar noise. It turned out to be the passenger side track bar mount. I had been too liberal with the lube when installing the bolt and the bar was shifting when I turned the wheel. You could see the bar shift when looking while someone else turned the wheel back and forth. I cleaned the bar end and bolt and torqued to spec - no more clunk.

 

[amnewsom]

Well, I checked and the pass. side mount is loose but not that bad, however its getting worse and worse. I think it might be the sway bar, the links look loose and that would explain why with front end movement would cause the noise to occur so I am going to pull the links and drive it slowly and see if I can mimic it.