front end clunking sound

[clvanhorn]

i think this is in the right forum, if not, would a mod please move it? ok so i have a 88 ext. cab 4wd ranger and i hear a clunking noise coming from the front end when i turn at slow speeds once in a while. i especially hear it when turning at lower speeds into inclined driveways or up small hills (coming out of ditches or whenever the susp. flexes some) i have had the truck on a lift and cant seem to find anything obviously rubbing or broken. anyone got any ideas for diagnosing this problem? thanks for any input

 

[Holsenback]

These types of issues can be shocks, springs, bushings, ball joints, bearings or a combination of any of them.

Sounds like ball joints. Does it happen when you hit the brakes or just going over bumps? Does it change with speed?

Best thing to do is get it inspected at a shop so they can tell you what it is for sure, then replace the needed parts. Get it in the air and get it looked at.

Just my opinion.

 

[hilltopfarm]

I had that very same problem on my truck. It turned out to be the bolts that hold the front differential on were loose, hence the "clunk" every time I stopped, started, turned or went over a bump. You may want to check to make sure that those bolts are torqued down right.

hilltopfarm

 

[4.0B2]

you're gonna have to check everything, check bolts and nuts- make sure they are torqued down to proper specs, balljoints- check them.. and so on.