05 Trac creaking popping noise

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This is for those chasing a phantom creaking popping noise that for all the world, sounds like bad bushings or ball joints. I chased this noise for a month and was ready for new ball joints till I walked along side the car and discovered it was in the center. I guess the sound telegraphs in the frame maybe because it sure sounded like it was in the front end. Check your center crossmember under the rear of the transmission for tightness. I mean air wrench tight to stop it.

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[600remguy]

Awesome. I'm going to bookmark this thread and check mine when I get home. Another place to look for thumpy rattles is the fuel tank shied. When I thumped mine from underneath to mimic a the action of a bump in the road, it made a familiar sound. I stuffed some closed cell packing material between the tank and shield and lost 50% of my rattles!! Yay me!