Well this is my first time posting something on this site. I am hoping someones could help diagnose a mild noise I have coming from my front end. First off, I drive a 2004 5.4l 2wd lariat. A while back (DEC 2010)I installed a 3" level kit and some larger than stock tires 285/70/18. Since then it drove fine up until Id say April. Now, only at a slow motion or above it make a metal to metal skreech or an old *** door opening sound when I turn Left. Well at first I crawled under to see what was making that sound. I found that the lower control arms had rubbing marks on the bump stops. So I grinded both sides down flush and painted them for future evidence. Well after all that work She still skreechs. WTH!!!
Has anyone ran across this before? Im sure somebody has cause, im guessing, this is a common problem when lifting a 2WD.

 

It could be that the larger tires have put added stress on the lower ball joints and upper control arms. My money is on the lower ball joints. Jack the front end off the ground and grab the wheel and see if you have any play in all directions. I have also seen people inject /spray oil in a small hole poked into the rubber seal around the ball joint. This won't fix the bad joint but will tell you quickly if it's the source of the noise.

 

I think the problem stems from that 3" spacer. It is adding too much stress to those ball joints.

 

I have checked the play of the tire when its raised up off the ground. No play. Is there a way I can lubricate the lower ball joints?

 

Whats weird about the noise is i know when itll happen. After more than 1/2 way to a full left turn is when it sounds. If Its a slight left turn no noise but a more heavy turn its full skreech.