Suspension mystery noises

[kfkodiak]

Searching hasn't quite matched this one yet.

'98 XLT 4x4 w/ 108K, new shocks 15K ago, EE rear swaybar.

I can't even tell if these symptoms are related:

- The front suspension intermittantly clunks when going over bumps or turning. This can often be felt in the steering wheel as well.

- There is a clunk form underneath the driver's side as soon as I sit down about half the time. I have ruled out the seat for this one, it's definitely under the truck.

- The truck rocks from side to side at lower speeds, even on smooth pavement. This has always been present, but it seems to be getting worse lately.

The local Ford dealer checked the suspension about 5k ago, and said it was fine. I checked the ball joints last week, and there is no play in either wheel?

Can anyone make sense of this?

Thanks.

 

[curl1]

how did you check your lower ball joints?

 

[kfkodiak]

I jacked the front end up, then pushed / pulled from the top, bottom, and sides of the tire. I didn't notice any movement, it felt solid. Did I miss something?

 

[kfkodiak]

...

 

[nole99]

Have you checked your sway bar bushings and sway bar end links ... also how about your shocks ... those would be the next place to look

 

[kfkodiak]

Shocks seem to be ok. I'll check the sway bar stuff next.

Thanks.