kerrrrench noise in front

[Rhett]

I am probably nit-picking my Explorer, but I have noticed that if I go off a ramp and onto level ground, and hit it just right, I will hear this brief "kerrrrench" noise from my front end. If I go slow enough, say 2 mph, I won't hear it.

Is this normal shock compression noise? I am pretty sure I'm not rubbing anywhere, and my springs are not sagging.
Is it something with the front axle pivot bolt? Overtorqued radius arm? Maybe I should just take it slow, but I think it should be able to make the transition from angle to flat at 5-10 mph silently.

 

[leggo]

This is what happened to me. I dont know what your circumstances are, but you might find it useful. I was trailin' and hit a big rock. It bent my ttb for the drivers side wheel back. This caused the passenger side axle u-joint to rub the bolt for the cast iron bracket on the engine crossmember(note: if your truck is lifted than its where your newer hardware is). If you need i can try to get some pictures, but its raining right now. This would only happen when the 4wheel is engaged(because the ujoint has to be turning )and the susp. is being compressed this is when the ujoint gets pushed into the bolthead.

This might not even solve your problem but its something to check out.

 

[Rhett]

Thanks I will chk it out; I was not in 4x4 at the time. I don't think I have anything bent under there but I will look at it.