Strange sounds - Front end

[rangerpilot]

Recently, I have started hearing a rotational clicking sound from the front end. At one point I thought it was grinding but I could not replicate this on a short drive after it sitting for over a week. I wonder if I need to drive at highway speeds to get this to replicate the grinding part.

Some research suspects include the "card in a bicycle spoke" sound which leads me to wheel bearings but I jacked it up and there is no excessive play when tugging on the left/right or top/bottom.

It is present at low speeds (window down to hear it) and increases with vehicle speed to sound like something loose or flapping (very noticeable even with windows up). At one point it would stop as I slowed below 30 mph but today it seemed somewhat intermittent. I am scratching my head...

I am horrible at troubleshooting but am confident I could repair it once I find the problem. What all should I consider and what else should I replace while I have stuff apart? Ball Joints and Tie Rod boots are in pretty bad shape.

I have never done any work to the front end except for ball joints years ago ... Never replaced shocks or any steering mechanisms/components ... only brakes and rotors (which are about due as well).

This truck is old but I need to really beef it up to last at least another year or two before I can afford a replacement. Really want to get it back in better shape.

Any thoughts are the clicking (sometimes grinding sound)?
Thanks!!

 

[rangerpilot]

As a follow up ... this turned out to have nothing to do with the front end but instead the noise worsened and it was diagnosed with a bad transfer case.

Much more expensive than I had planned. Hope this helps someone else.


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[alwaysFlOoReD]

Thanks for the update. Sorry for your luck.