--Help-- Front Metal sound while going over bumps

[sbd_spider]

I have a 97 Ford Explorer sport trac 4x4

I just changed both Front Axles because they where in both very very bad shap. While Putting the drivers side together, I noticed that When I put on the hub and the other parts, that it seemed to stretch out the axle. I got it all put back together and put the ford off the jacks and back on the ground. The Axle seemed to look normal. Now to the problem: Ever Time I hit a bump, big or small I hear this Sound Like two metal polls are hitting together.

The Auto Parts Store said they gave me the proper axle for my year and suv. I am thinking they are full of SH*T.... But I need info or ideas on what to do, or what it might be.

 

[BBQ Bandit]

Sway links broken?

 

[sbd_spider]

every thing as far as the steering looks good, besides the steering wheel inside the cabin is a little off...

 

[hworksinc]

The swaybar end links aren't part of the steering system - they attach the sway bar to the lower control arms - there's a good thread in the Stickies about front end work with some good pics if you need a visual. It's fairly common for them to break.

 

[BBQ Bandit]

The swaybar links would appear intact with the truck resting on the ground.
Once the front end is raised... and the front suspension hangs freely.. the bolted end/links would be unattached and wobble freely.

The movements over bumps would grind against the broken and exposed ends.

Happened to myself... was slightly puzzling until the front end was raised/hung.

 

[sbd_spider]

Sweet, I found thr Problem, It was the driver side Upper Control Arm Assembly. The boot that was on it was ripped on the back side. Which the fluid was gone, it was just metal on metal.