Ok so I got a new "clunk" recently and wanted some opinions before I start trying to fix it. Here is what happens. After I go in reverse to back out (driveway, parking space, etc) and then go forward in drive, the first time I hit the brakes and come to a complete stop there is a clunk sound that appears to be coming from up by the driver side front tire/supsension or possibly around the back of the engine/front of the tranny. Then it doesn't do it again till I park and start all over. Could it be I need to re-torque the shocks I put on 6 months ago? Maybe a lugnut came loose? It's driving my crazy. Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks.

 

ball joints, or idler and pitman arms

how many miles on the truck, have you ever replaced any of the front suspension/steering parts?

 

It has 87k on it and everything on the truck is stock except for the shocks.

 

I think it's the driveshaft. Check your front end first since it's easy enough, but I'm thinking it's the slip yoke on the tail-shaft spline.

 

i would rebuild the whole front end, all 4 ball joints, 4 tie rods, pitman arm and idler arm. Its about time to do those.

you might get away with not doing the upper ball joints, but atleast check them out

 

Thanks for all the help guys. Do you know if they sell a front end rebuild kit anywhere or do I have to purchase all the parts individually? I don't want to leave anything out like new bushings and replacement nuts/bolts and whatnot.

 

There's a few write-ups out there. I think user "Alaska" has one in the "How To's" - Trying to think of who had kits. - Jeggs maybe. I had Ford do mine - they did a great Job.

Use Moog hardware - You can find the entire arms on ebay, kits too.. Idunno, Patrick might have more info.

 

ebay has kits but they wont be the higher quality moog stuff. Orillies sells Moog brand stuff

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SUSPE...Q5fAccessories

So this will do the trick but is pretty much junk?

 

Yea, that's not everything and I wouldn't trust it. You really don't want to mess around with the front ends on these trucks. Ue the Moog stuff. Try Summit, Rock Auto has Moog as well. Do you know what all you need ? Or look for Moog on ebay. You get what you pay for - Moogs prices usually don't vary that much from supplier to supplier.

 

pretty much junk yah. I didnt realize that you had 4x4, might be something with the torsion bars? I dont have any experience with the Ford 4x4 suspension....

Im still leaning towards pitman/idler combo as your culprit.

 

Hey I know you said it was coming from the front but with the way the read drum brake adjusters work they can sometimes cause a clunk from the shoes moving and this would only happen once in reverse and once forward, shoes are much cheaper than a front end job, just my .02

 

Could you tell me a list of everything I need to buy and replace? I figure as long as I got it apart and plan on keeping the truck awhile I might as well get it over with in one shot. I'm hoping to get it done next week sometime with a mechanic buddy. Thanks again you guys have been a great help.

 

Don't buy ANYTHING till the cause can be determined. Buying parts on the guesses of people over the Internet is ridiculous. The guesses people are posting are just that - guesses, things to LOOK at. If you don't have the ability or the experience to determine if what people are suggesting is correct or not, take it to an experienced mechanic/technician.

 

Ok I will be getting under the truck tonight to have a look at what's going on. I already know the ball joint test so are there any other signs I should be looking for? How can I check the driveshaft?