Thumping in front end

[stranger93]

I have a '93 Ranger 4x4 and when I start out there is sound like the tire is rubbing on something,then is a loud thumping sound. I checked out the front u-joints and spun the wheels by hand and can't hear anything. Nothing feels loose. Any ideas?

 

[snake]

Don't know about the rubbing sound, but the thump you speak of- does it do it just once everytime you take off? If once, the slip joint on the driveshaft is notorious for this- greasing the joint will stop or reduce the thump for awhile but it will come back until u replace the driveshaft. There was a TSB on it for certain years but I can't remember which ones anymore.

 

[CHKNFKR]

Worn out radius arm bushings will also cause a noticeable "thump" sound, and feel, upon acceleration and decceleration.

 

[stranger93]

It seems to happen just once when I take off, but it thumps several times.

 

[xr75er]

Worn out radius arm bushings will also cause a noticeable "thump" sound, and feel, upon acceleration and decceleration.

if not the bushing it could be the mount. http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=114851

 

[CHKNFKR]

if not the bushing it could be the mount. http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=114851

there was a guy on here not too long ago that broke his driver side mount while leaving a fast food drive through. he drove several miles home with his radius arm punched through the mounting bracket about 6" or so. glad i don't share a road with some of these rigs....