Front end noise

[happeetxn]

Howdy all,
Over the holidays, I had a popping sound in my front end when I would turn. I replaced the upper and lower ball joints as I figured thay must be the culprits, and boy did they need to be replaced. While I was at it I put on Bilstien shocks on the front as well.
Mu current problem is that the front end rattles horribly when I go over a dip, railroad crossing or a bumpy road. You would think that the whole front end of the truck is going to seperate. I still have the popping when I turn, usually when I back up. And yes, the shocks are mounted on tightly. Would worn bushings make such a racket? I was planning to go with the Energy Suspension this summer but don't want to spend the money only to find out it is something else. Any thoughts?
Craig

 

[94f450sd]

2WD or 4WD?

 

[Crumm]

Front spring bushings and check the rivets in the cross member under the engine.


Wait a minute is this a 2wd with coil springs?

 

[happeetxn]

2WD with springs and I think twin I Beam. Does that sound right? Too cold to go out an d look at it right know

 

[94f450sd]

sounds likeyouneed radius arm bushings.mine makes a pop noise when i turn the wheel going ove aspeed bump.the radius arms are the arms that come off the I beams and go back to theframeunder the floors.

 

[BJS]

I'll second the radius arm bushings they are cheap and not too difficult to install either. Get either OE parts or energy suspension polyurethane ones. I've run the ones from the parts houses and they fall apart quickly on even my little ranger.

The center pivot bushings tend to go bad over time as well and if you can I tend to replace them as well if they are showing any signs of wear.

More than likely it's the passenger's side bushing that is toast, They tend to go bad faster due to the heat from the exhaust. There is a little metal heat sheld that should (is aval for rangers) be available for you from the dealer if there isn't one already there. BTW all of my twin I-beam, & TTB experience has been w/ the little rangers which is the same basic design as the bigger trucks w/ just smaller pieces.

 

[happeetxn]

Thanks for the replies. I will see about replacing these bushing as soon as possible. As always I appreciate the help.
Craig