suspension issue question

[oz16us]

so I thought after changing out my front and rear sway bars and links along with the shocks, I would get rid of the suspension noisy i keep hearing in the front driver side. Unfortunately, it's still there. It only happens when I make a wide right at 30 mph or going over unleveled ground. Its somewhat of a popping noise and feels like something is rolling (popping noise not clanking) under the driver side tire. I don't hear the sound at slow speeds. It feels and sounds like the driver side tire is going over little humps when i make that wide right turn but not at slow speeds. The faster the speed, the quicker the popping noise intervals occur.

The steering wheel doesn't shake at all. I even tried lifting up both front tires under the lower control arm and gave it a wiggle. No movement at all except just a tiny movement when pushing the tire left and right (which is normal). So I don't think it's the hub/bearing or the upper or lower ball joints... i'm kinda baffled considering I thought it would be either shocks or the sway bar which i already changed. The boot on the passenger inner tie rod is open, but a previous mechanic said it wasn't a big deal. The ball joints on the upper and lower control arm look fine visually. Could the issue be a front shock mount? Was almost sure it was the sway bar and links, but apparently it wasn't... any ideas? thank in advance

 

[swshawaii]

Front suspension noises can be a PITA to diagnose. Lower ball joints are almost always the first major suspension part to fail on ST's. I chased a similar rattle for almost a year to find an upper control arm nut had loosened 1/8" causing a loud low speed clunk going straight over small irregular bumps, or turning into a driveway. Also inspect upper and lower control arm bushings. Unload the suspension and place jack stands under both support hooks and hit away with a rubber mallet. When you hear a rattle you may have found the issue. Other option is find a shop that offers free suspension inspections.

 

[oz16us]

Front suspension noises can be a PITA to diagnose. Lower ball joints are almost always the first major suspension part to fail on ST's. I chased a similar rattle for almost a year to find an upper control arm nut had loosened 1/8" causing a loud low speed clunk going straight over small irregular bumps, or turning into a driveway. Also inspect upper and lower control arm bushings. Unload the suspension and place jack stands under both support hooks and hit away with a rubber mallet. When you hear a rattle you may have found the issue. Other option is find a shop that offers free suspension inspections.

do you know if it's possible to replace just the ball joints closest to the tire of the upper and lower control arms without requiring an alignment afterwards?

 

[swshawaii]

Replacing only lowers won't require alignment. If the uppers are original, the ball joints are not replaceable separately and the complete arms must be replaced that requires alignment. Ford's replacement spec for vertical play is only 1/8" for both lower and uppers. If either of yours are original with your high mileage, they are highly suspect of the popping noise.

http://www.moogproblemsolver.com/_pdf_en1/MOOG_PS_Bulletin_212006_K8695T_En.pdf

http://www.moogproblemsolver.com/_pdf_en1/MOOG_PS_Bulletin_27045_Ford_Truck_Control_Arms_En.pdf
http://www.moogproblemsolver.com/_pdf_en2/DYK10_106_En.pdf

 

[oz16us]

i might have to see if i can get a free inspection somewhere... do these vehicles have shock mounts? Paid someone to mine in but only later found out that I could have done it myself. I can't see the shock mounts from the top....any chance that this could be an issue?