a little update for you guys. I drove the "White Stallion" today and the noise was gone. Not sure if this means that the u joint isn't bad or not but I'll take a look at it tomorrow when I'm putting on my lift.
Any suggestions for what to look for in a bad u joint? I know that it's probably the internals (needle bearings) that are gone but what should i look for in the way of external wear?

Thanks again guys.
-Adam

 

Rust dust below the caps is a good indicator. Also jack up the front end, turn the steering wheel all the way left then spin the tires, do the same to the right. If you have a clicking, binding or other noise that you don't get while wheels are straight it is probably a u-joint.

 

I put the Kore leveling kit on the White Stallion today. Rainy days are the best for working on trucks btw. It made me realize how much I miss working on my truck. Anyhow, I inspected the ball joints, no play in them so they are good for now, the u joints had a little caked on mud and stuff on them plus a little surface rust but I didn't hear any grinding or other noises out of them when i spun them with the steering knuckles at full lock.
So far driving with the Kore springs and new shocks up front is like night and day compared to stock. It feels so much smoother. When my wheels and tires get in on Tuesday I'll try and post some pics up of the beast once she is complete.
As of now I'm satisfied that I went with the Kore kit instead of going with the least expensive option of the leveling pucks.

hey notw, where are you at in Alaska? I'm going to be moving up to Fairbanks in the next year or so and was hoping you had any advice for moving up there.

Thanks again guys,
-Adam

 

PM'd you

 

I had a low speed cherping noise that ended up being the rear u-joint and sounded like it was up front.

 

here it is with the wheels and tires on it. The weather hasn't been very cooperative lately but i'll try and get some better pictures in the near future.

 

maybe your tipple is making noise. mine always hums when i drive