Ok here it goes...
I've searched the net high and low with no clear answer. I have a front suspension issue on my 01' F150 screw 4x4. I'm getting a bumpin/thumping noise coming from the front end. Sounds almost like a bad ball joint. So far I've replaced all inner/outter tie rods, upper and lower ball joints, sway bar links and front shocks. The pitman and idler arms seemed to be still tight so I left them go. The shocks I used were Monroe gas-matic (cheap-o's) Im wondering if this is my problem? Also the colder it is the worse the noise almost like I have no front suspension. I live in Michigan so it's been VERY cold right now.. I used all Moog parts. It's very disappointing when you put so much time and money into the front end and it still makes all kinds of racket. Sorry for the long post

Also the truck is rust free and still makes the noise even when on the brakes.

 

Is the front end stock or is it lifted?

 

Compleaty stock. It's the truck in my signature picture below


Jimmy

 

I'd take it to a good front end shop and get an inspection.

 

Was kinda hoping for at least one educated guess. I can't believe my truck is special enough to only have this issue.

Thanks for the suggestion

 

You know how hard it is to troubleshoot over the Internet. It needs a good front end tech to actually look at and feel things.

Control arm bushings, maybe?

 

How many miles? These trucks do need the ball joints done at around 150k..

 

First post, he did the ball joints already.

 

You said cheap shocks so it's possible those bushings went bad.

 

Wheel bearing can make all sorts of noises. Its usually the first front end point i check.

 

this might be extreme...but considering how much you already done, might be worth the thought....check out the link>>http://www.powernationtv.com/episode...nic-suspension

or ask to borrow a couple of GOpro cameras

 

I've had the noise the same day I replaced the shocks. I even swapped around the rubber bushings on top of the shocks with oem ones and different types of universal ones. No change

On the way to work this morning it was -10F the front was really noisy

 

I have had bad wheel bearings on our Escape. It made grinding noises when you turn the wheel left or right. This truck does not. Still possible you think?
You can tell distinctively it's coming from both sides when hitting small bumps. Like I said before the colder it is out the louder the noise it makes. That's what gets me!?

 

I've always had great luck on these forums. With this post I was hoping for that one person to say hey... I had that same problem...new shocks fixed it..lol
I am pretty mechanically inclined but this has me at a loss.
A friend of mine has a GoPro. I'll see if he trust me enough to let me mount it to my suspension.

 

Wheel bearings usually are louder or quieter depending on which way you turn. It doesn't sound like wheel bearings to me. I put the same shocks on my truck and they work fine.