Front end, driver's side -- clunk noise when going over bumps and a clunk noise while in park turning the wheel all the way left (doesn't make the noise all the way right). Turning the wheel left will result in 2 separate clunks between about 3/4 and full. I literally just paid almost $1k to have the upper control arms and outer tie rods replaced, and I can tell the new parts are in. I can also make the noise if I rock the truck back and forth from the body above the front driver's side door. I had just replaced the front upper control arms/joints about a year ago, with MOOG (same parts here). I have an 05 FX4 with a 2.5" AS leveling kit, have had it for a while. I first heard the noise after a trip into the mountains but it wasn't that bad of a trip, so I have no idea what I could have damaged -- I even drove it for a while with the ball joint knowingly broken (stupid, I know). I'm taking it back in tomorrow but want to sit and watch this time. Guy claimed to take it for a drive after working on it, but this isn't something you can miss -- it's a loud clunk. He apparently missed any and all bumps and never turned the wheel back and forth...

Any help asap would be greatly appreciated! Not happy after the cash I dropped to get it fixed.

 

Inner tie rod perhaps?

 

I'm wondering, but would it sound like the whole front end was about to explode when I hit a bump? It's obnoxiously loud, and I would assume shock/strut but the ride itself is fine. And could it only be the left side?

 

Hmm check for a broken coil spring. I had that on mine

 

Thanks for the help. Definitely the sway bar end links, they're loose and about to go. Anyone have a part number from Ford for the links?
I got #4L3Z5K483BA
But they want almost $70 for each lmao. Even the parts guy at the dealership was like, WTF!!?? lol.

Guess it's aftermarket I go.

 

I almost said to check those, should have gone with my gut. They vary for a few of the years. I'd get the Moog replacements but make sure you enter your year correctly because my '04 for example has 90° end links that are tough to get out. Later years have a more typical "stacked" configuration.

 

Rockauto.com

 

Yeah mine have the 90 degree bend at the top, 05 FX4. Found them at RockAuto for $23 a piece so I'll probably go with 'em. Anyone know what size the bolts are on the stock links? And for the early '05 models 4x4 I'm assuming the MOOG part is #K80279?

Also wondering if I can rent a breaker bar, 16mm socket, and ratchet from one of the usual auto stores (advance, autozone, etc.)? No tools but this seems simple.

 

For the job get the sway best bushings as well because the end links we have you save time by removing the sway bar. My buddy cut them off

 

Iduno, you may have two problems. Well, it won't cost anything to find out. Take a gander at your anchor plate bolts (inside hub area). BIG bolts, two on each side of the truck. When you loose a bolt (happens ALL THE TIME once removed then re-installed incorrectly) you'll get that clunking over bumps and on turns. Check it out, -if they're loose, or worse yet, loose the correct bolt, it can take out your tire AND rim, leaving both unrepairable and you stranded. You'll see if ones missing, big hole.

I realize its clunking stationary and while turning. That would be another problem, - could be your links like you said. Were you getting a lot of "bump steer" perhaps?

Iduno, check those anchor plate bolts tho.Turn your wheel all the way left or right, then get down and look directly at the inside of the hub. The anchor plate anchors your brake components. Look real good, -with it clunking the way it is and if that's part of the problem, you'll notice something isn't right just with a look.

 

Thanks JBrew, checked that and everything seems to be fine. The lower bolt on the stabilizer link is a 19mm and the upper is a 21mm on mine, and I have no idea where the heck I can get those without buying them -- which would be fine except I don't exactly have a need for them afterward. Doesn't help that the bolt extends as far as it does through the nut, otherwise I would have found both sockets in someone else's set lol.