Cannot Quite front end! Help

[Cbennett4]

I have a 2001 Explorer XLT with 4x4. It has 215k on it. When going over bumps I get a clunking noise as well as if I jerk the wheel from side to side I get the same popping clunk noise. I can also feel the clunk in my feet from the drivers floor board I have replaced:

Upper arms w/ ball joints
Lower ball joints
Sway bar links
Both front Hubs
Shocks

I have had the brakes done so I know the caliper bolts are tight. Tierods are also tight. I haven't done anything with the torsion bars since I am not sure what to do to the later model suspension. As well as I read it could possibly be the tranny / transfer case mounts....I haven't seen anything definate for the later model suspension i.e. the 2001...about at my end with this, any ideas are helpful.

 

[Gus Gorilla]

You need a helper. Get someone you trust, who values your life and limb. Have them start the truck and cycle the steering back and forth while you are under there looking for what is loose. Look at the tie rod ends. (inner and outer) first. If tight then also make sure your steering rack is not moving in any way.

If the noise won't happen when not moving then ask the same helper to get out and vigirously rock the truck side to side. While rocking check the suspension and sway bars for movement.

I have had similar problems on my '01 ST. The list includes pretty much everything under there at one point or another. My wife has been a good sport about helping me find the culprits using the above methods. If it can be heard, felt, and duplicated easily while not moving then you Will be able to find it either by sight or touch.

Just be careful.

 

[riverrat jr]

Thunk noise

You said 'any ideas' sooo.... A few years ago I was asked to help with a similar concern on the same vehicle. All of the steps you've done had been done. We had access to a rack which helped a lot. I asked for a 4 or 5 foot breaker bar and pried up on the tail shaft of the transmission & found that the rubber part of the rear mount had separated. We took off the one on mine ( a 99 at the time), installed it and the problem stopped. This may not be the root cause of your concern but you did say 'any ideas' sooo.... :smoke:

 

[lounge lizard]

that could be it. and it would rattle the floor board when the tranny jumps.



hey Riverrat Jr! is your dad Riverrat?? tell him I said hi!

 

[waskly]

torsion arms bushings? rack and pinion bushings? could be a cracked body on the frame but i doubt it.

some ideas...