I have a 97 F150 4x4 extra cab short bed. The problem is when I turn into my driveway which is a right turn or any other similar turn to the right with a small curb,I hear a popping noise coming somewhere from under the box area. I have checked for loose exhaust and anything else that may make a noise and can't seem to come up with anything. This is a problem that when trying to re-produce nothing happens, and only during right turns does it ever happen. I hope someone has an answer, I'm going insane.

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97 f150 X-CAB SB 4X ORP
Loaded
Supercharged 5.4 (Magnacharger)
with a Superchip
K&N air filter and Dual exhaust complete the package.

 

Check the leaf springs-they might be coming out of alignment.My 98 had that problem.Good luck

 

That is a very common problem and you can find lots of posts on it under the Suspension thread. My truck was in shop this week having Pitman Arm (squeeky steering-another common problem) and the multi function (wiper-washer, turn signal) switch replaced. While there I, again, asked them to check out the pop heard only when making a right turn onto a ramped driveway, or backing out the same direction.
They did hear the problem and said it was due to a rubbing of the steering stops near the control arm, or something like that. They were supposed to have lubricated them or used some anti-sieze stuff. Don't know if they fixed it or not, but I still feel like its coming from under the box. My leaf springs are out of line, sort of pivoted a bit off center. They said there was no connection to the popping, and there was no safety or mechanical problem with them that way. They could re align them for about $75. but I chose not to do it. Does anyone think this may be the cause of the pop.
Does everyone else with the pop have out-of-line leaf springs?

 

Kenster, My leaf springs ewre replaced for free.I think there is either a recall or tsb for this problem.If I remember right, the lowest leaf is the one that comes out and there is a threat that this could come out far enough to do some damage to the gas tank (hole or dent). Good luck

 

I've got the exact same noise! Turing right up and incline to the parking lot at work "clunk"! What is it!!

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2001 XLT Supercab, 5.4L, 3.55 LS, Towing Package, 245/75 R16 BF Goodrich ATs, Highland Green/Arizona Biege

 

It is either your leaf springs or this https://www.f150online.com/f150board...ML/001097.html

 

A friend and I both bought '97s at the same time. There is apparently something different between the frames of a 4x2 and 4x4, as his 4x4 experienced loosening of some rivits under the passenger side of the truck. Check the TSB's and/or recalls, as I'm pretty sure that there one somewhere.

It appears that his dealer replaced the rivits with bolts or did a drill-&-taper fix -- nevertheless, the symptom sounds familiar.

 

Thanks for all the input, when I find the problem I will post it.

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97 f150 X-CAB SB 4X ORP
Loaded
Supercharged 5.4 (Magnacharger)
with a Superchip
K&N air filter and Dual exhaust complete the package.

 

I had this problem in the front end, and found that it was the bottom shock mount was not tight enough to hold the metal insert in the shock. It was clunking on the shock mount bolt. I found this by turning the wheel to one side, and shaking the shock up and down forcefully. Good luck.
I too experienced it when turning.

 

I had a problem on my 97... if I turned the wheel to right lock in reverse, when I gave it the gas, the frame was twisting enough that the cross-member right under the front seats was shifting on the frame. They un-bolted it, greased it up where it was making contact with the frame rails, and re-bolted it. Lasted another year and a half with no problem.

-Joe-


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98 Explorer (Lemon Law Case in Progress)

'00 F-150, X-cab, 4x4, Lariat, Off-road, Trailer Tow, Holandia Sunroof, built 11/99 picked up 10/00!Clear Corners, Manik Stainless Steel 1-piece brush guard, Custom CB wiring, Uniden PC76-XLW CB radio with K-40 Magna-Mount antenna (for now), 1 set of 165 watt KC Daylighters (for now... more on the way) Custom switch mounting plate and overhead console.
List of planned mods: Clear tails, color matched trailer hitch with stainless steel ball, torsion bar tweak, bug deflector, spray in liner, and a tonneau of some sort...

93 Probe GT teal, OE rims painted to match, bone stock drivetrain.

 

Like jpk, I had a loose shock bolt but it was on my rear shock. It would pop when I pulled into the driveway or if I hit a decent bump in the road I would get what sounded like my exhaust banging against my shock. Replaced the bolt since the threads were wasted and now it is like a brand new truck again. Worth a check anyway.

[This message has been edited by basshunter (edited 01-24-2001).]