2007 Ranger XLT Clunk On Both Sides While Turning Slow...

[davidschap]

Hi guys...

Well, i've only had my Ranger a month & welcome to issue number one lol. A couple weeks ago, I noticed a slight clunk when turning my wheel sharply out of my apartment building. Wasn't sure what it was, and didn't really sweat it.

Fast forward to today, and now it's happening on both sides prominently on slow sharp turns. I did notice the TSB about the clunk and the inner tie rod ends needing replacing. Fair enough. Called ford today & they stated that they change them out with the same part for $380 (socal prices ). The same part ? Why would I toss the same part on if there is an issue already ?

My question is, does it sound like the inner tie rod ends ? Some claimed it was the intermediate shaft on the steering, but i'm not feeling it there. On slowly turning, wheel fully cocked, I get a good clunk out of it, on either side, and it definitely is coming from the shock area. Can't repeat by myself as the truck needs to be moving to do it.

Have an appointment @ 4 wheel parts on saturday for general maintenance and inspection of my fabtech lift, and will ask them about it, but wanted to ask you guys first...

Thanx
David

Oh yeah, it's a 2007 XLT with a 3" fabtech spindle lift in the front.

 

[4x4junkie]

Are you holding the steering against it's stop when making your turns? If so, it might be the steering stops creaking against the A-arm (keep it just a hair from fully cranked when making your turns).

You could also put some grease where the stop bolt rubs against the A-arm, though this typically only lasts a few weeks to a few months and the noise returns.

 

[davidschap]

That was part of it but the bang was super loud. Turns out my ball joints were only hand tool tight, not tourqed at all. This had to happen when the lift was installed initially by the previous owner by, you guessed it, 4 wheel parts. I sent an email to the store manager of the other 4 wheel parts where it was installed. I have all receipts. Let's see what they say. Taking her ti girlfriends house in a few for the real test.

I will definitely grease the stops as well. They told me the same thing you did. I had a feeling that was part of it as well as I saw the grooves digging into the stops. I won't crank like I was anymore, that's for sure.

I appreciate the insight bro.

Thanx
David

 

[4x4junkie]

No problem. Good luck with it (hopefully there's no damage from stuff being left loose)