Ok Ive got some kind of problem in the front end that when I turn the wheel back and forth I get a loud pop at random. I figure its one of the balljoints in the steering linkage. I suspect the outer tie rod and the pitman arm the most though. Is there any method to track this down? Pulling on the joints tells me nothing theyre all solid. The arms transmit vibration so its hard to tell whats bad. I recently replaced the passenger side tie rod, the long one so I doubt its that one.

 

Anyone got any ideas? Feels like the pop is over my feet on the drivers side so Im guessing either the trackbar loosened up or the pitman joint is bad. How do the shop techs figure out whats bad? Its all so tight I cant feel anything worn even with the front end up in the air.

 

You can try to grip each joint in hand while a helper turns the wheel to reproduce the clunking. (you need to be very careful not to get your fingers caught)
Did you grease your joints?

AlpineRAM

 

Check for loose play at the bushing at the bottom of the steering column.
Rock Solid Ram Truck Steering has the cure, if that is your problem.

If you decide to install one of these, PM me before you install it. I can give you some tips to avoid problems (auto trucks).

I'm not afilliated with Rock Solid and I don't sell their stuff. But I learned a lot from my install!

 

I'll second ProspectorTim's post. I have done the DSS, trak bar kit, alignment and other things and still had that slight pop in the steering which I did not seem to be able to get rid of, but the steering bushing took care of it nicely. Very nice to have a steering setup that is as good as on my '05.
mishkaya

 

Hm, so youre saying it might be that the shaft bushing is allowing the steering shaft to move and the thunk is the shaft or universal popping over a binding spot (some angle it wasnt meant to move at maybe). Ive got the rock solid ram bushing kit, just havent installed it since Ive been spending so much time on bodywork. Im hoping thats it, but just in case Im ordering a couple lukes links for the pitman and the inner tie rod end.

 

Looks like the drivers side of the thuren bar was loose. It took about a half turn with a wrench and has been quiet since. I did a lukes link on the pitman anyways since it had a flat spot in it.