HELP! front end clunks

Hey y'all,

I've been chasing a clunk from my front end for about three or four months, I've replaced many things trying to get rid of it but its still there. I did lbjs, sway bar mount bushings and end links, rack bushings, inner and outer tie rods, and new shocks. Went through everything yesterday checking torque and play and I couldn't find anything at all from upper/lower control arms, ubjs, or any of the things I've replaced. It happens at low speeds, going over bumps ONLY with the drivers side tire. It's a small sharp clunk in the steering wheel, usually a couple at a time. If anyone has any suggestions, it would be greatly appreciated. Getting to wanting to pull my hair out

 

Upper ball joints? Control arm bushings? Did you replace the top hats on the shocks? Axle nut?

 

upper ball joints have no play, nor do any of the control arms. I installed new bilstein 5100s with old man emu springs and I think those came with new top hats. I've never checked out my front axle nut... I didn't think I had one! lol

 

Ever replace your lower control arm bushings?

 

I chased a clunk that happened at low speed over speed bumps, it was the sway bar links and the radiator support bushings.

 

Take your sway bar off & see if it still does it

 

I have not. I can see that they are slightly cracked, but I pried on them and didn't feel any play. Could cracking LCA bushings cause an intermittent rattle? almost everything else is new lol

 

Well assuming they're original they could very well be your culprit. It's often hard to create noticeable play in them with everything bolted up, with just a crow bar. Remember that a 3000+lb truck puts far greater force on them then you could hope to replicate with a crow bar.

On several occasions I've resolved a front end clunk by changing LCA bushings out.

 

I'm in the same situation as you. Replaced nearly all suspension related parts in the front except the UCA/LCA as the bushings still looked good and no play. From the research I've done some say to also check the cab mount bushings. Mine are cracked and ready to be replaced just haven't got the time to do so yet. Once I do I will report back and let you know my findings.

 

I too have a low speed clunk on drivers side.
I have new upper and lower ball joints and inner and outer ties.
I tightened up my steering rack tension and most of it went away.
Makes me think my rack has worn and has play.
When the truck came to me I found a bent inner tie rod and think that the rack got damaged in a accident.
I plan on swapping the rack out.