Clunk noise in front end

[bigrigr]

Another thing to keep in mind if the ball joints and shocks aren't the culprit, the brake caliper may be loose, or the pads inside of it may be moving up and down and hitting the caliper bracket. Seems kinda silly, but I've seen some be pretty noisy. Fwiw

 

[airdrew99]

Hey guys,
I haven't had time to check the ball joints or brakes yet, but I hope to next weekend. I do have a question. I understand that I should replace upper and lower ball joints at the same time. Do I need to replace both driver and passenger side if only one side is bad? I'm a full-time college student right now, so I want to be as cheap as possible. I know it would probably be better to do both while I have all the tools out. Also, can I rent the equipment needed, to change the ball joints, from Autozone or somewhere like that? I think I have all tools need except the big sockets and the ball joint press. Thanks for any input.

Drew

 

[airdrew99]

Amazon.com: Moog K80026 Ball Joint: Automotive

Amazon.com: Moog K8607T Lower Ball Joint: Automotive

Here are 2 links for amazon.com. They have the two Moog ball joints I'm looking at. They seem to be the cheapest price for the Moog brand. Advance auto carries them also, but a little more expensive there.

Drew

 

[roger2003]

Hey guys,
I haven't had time to check the ball joints or brakes yet, but I hope to next weekend. I do have a question. I understand that I should replace upper and lower ball joints at the same time. Do I need to replace both driver and passenger side if only one side is bad? I'm a full-time college student right now, so I want to be as cheap as possible. I know it would probably be better to do both while I have all the tools out. Also, can I rent the equipment needed, to change the ball joints, from Autozone or somewhere like that? I think I have all tools need except the big sockets and the ball joint press. Thanks for any input.

Drew

Unfortunatly it is best to do both, at least within a couple days of doing the other.

 

[DaveBen]

I would get Moog Heavy Duty ball joints if you are going to be doing them. They are not cheap but they are the best. The only tool that you will need to rent is a Ball Joint Press and that is like a big C-clamp with special sockets. Good Luck and have FUN.

Dave

 

[airdrew99]

Well, I checked my ball joints yesterday. Both passenger side are loose/bad. One feels a little loose on the driver side. I will replace all 4 at once either on my spring break or this summer. Thanks for all the help from everyone.

Drew

 

[superdub01]

if none of that fixes the problem jack the truck up by the frame (unload the front suspension) and try to get play out of the front leaf spring bushings. they will deflect some because they are rubber but should not "clunk." this can cause your problem because the weight of the truck will prevent the movement until you brake hard enough and the bushings will clunk.

 

[hrc200x]

I can visably see the bushings on my sway bar where it attaches to the front axle are bad. I think they are blue in color....would that be original? Where does everyone suggest buying them from? Are the stock ones poly or rubber? If rubber are poly ones available anywhere?

 

[02Oilburner]

I can visably see the bushings on my sway bar where it attaches to the front axle are bad. I think they are blue in color....would that be original? Where does everyone suggest buying them from? Are the stock ones poly or rubber? If rubber are poly ones available anywhere?

Here ya go!
Energy Suspension 4.5186 Complete Front Sway Bar and End Link Bushings Set - 32mm - 1.5 Inch Endlink Eyes

 

[Stroked68]

I can visably see the bushings on my sway bar where it attaches to the front axle are bad. I think they are blue in color....would that be original? Where does everyone suggest buying them from? Are the stock ones poly or rubber? If rubber are poly ones available anywhere?

Stocks ones are black rubber. Too soft when they get old. Usually poly ones are red. Atleast thats what I replaced on mine.