2001 Lariat F-150 Offroad 4x4 130k has a clunk/rattle sound that sounds like front drivers side to me. I live in rural NM & all roads are bad. I had to start using Q rated aggressive Kendas just to avoid tire wear & flats. I have seen too many broken front suspensions at local shade tree mech. & he has just been too busy to take a drive & listen.
I imagine ball joints,tierod ends etc to be possibles. I want to fix before my front end shears off driving home. I have checked for loose stuff under hood & shook all I could to search for possible source. Even tho this local guy has been decent & fixes broke down folks all the time I am leaning on taking it into Alb. to guy I know with all the alignment stuff right there.
I do not want a lift or major changes if possible. This truck rode like a dream the 1st 2 years on Michelins & stock,but my local roads are just brutal on tires & suspensions. My regular drive is like most folks trip to offroad park.
Should I just bite the bullet & replace the whole enchilada with something like MOOG or OEM if I find one ball joint or end is worn. I am hundreds of miles from Alb.
Suggestions ?

 

I recommend OEM or MOOG CK or K series parts... do not get MOOG RK parts (they are eco/cheap parts).

I know there are folks that have had issues with the front end frame separating. I would have your frame checked too.

As far as letting things go, I wouldn't... it ain't fun losing a lower ball joint doing 70+ mph down a highway. Especially since the older F150's had poor front end crash results. Last thing you want is that driver's side wheel of yours tucking it self under your seat and breaking your legs.

I'd get it looked at by a professional... not by a shade tree.

 

Thanks.
Pretty much sums up my thoughts on shade tree(our only garage) ,when I see 2 tucked away like that there now,one F150 like mine & a chebby...
I'll call the Alb. guy.

 

since you have a lariat 4x4 (same here) 1 thing i can suggest is the front OEM RANCHO shocks are too short!!
Rattle rattle....check to see if your front shocks LOWER mount....are loose. The LCA mounting points do NOT bend in to capture the rubber on the shock. I had to put a couple washers with the shock so when i tightened the thru-bolt...it actually tightened the shock!!!
Now my NEW rancho's....all that is good

 

Thanks but no rancho,just stock OEM shock replacements.
My local guy drove this morn & he thinks the rattle is broken item mount. Said the steering & ride felt normal but did notice the sound from rear I have heard I thought was tire tread blocks rubbing on ground....kinda like a 4x engaged on dry pavement,but just rear. He believes it is bearing or limited slip locked. We put Limited Slip Lube in & I will monitor. I just assumed it had proper fluids put in at 1st changeout 40k ago.
So I need to know if my 2001 F-150 Lariat 4x4 Offroad has limited slip differential....I always assumed it did. Next is rebuild if it gets worse or does not go away. But no long drives til I fix it....

 

Went to a good mech. for rear end check ,fluids checked & front check....
New inner bearings in back. Proper fluids used... saved rear end & LS.
Both front hubs shot. Rotors/pads shot....saved me & Rio.
Replaced tires. That was in future,but needed sometime soon.

 

Glad you got it fixed!