Pop/clunk sound from front end?

My 98 with 284k has started making a noise when from the front end when I back out of a parking space.

I can kinda feel it in the steering wheel, and it’s not a pop- but more like a clunk.

I know you all have a ton of experience with these trucks. Any idea what it could be?

I appreciate your time.

 

It could be a number of things. You should really have someone look at it in person. Maybe try taking a video of the noise, and post that here?

 

Here's an easy thing to check: if you have a skid plate on (especially the factory one), remove it and see if the noise goes away. If it does then your front diff has been clunking against the skid plate because the diff mount bushings are toast.

Ignore all of this if you have a 5-lug or Prerunner.

 

Look at your control arms and see if there's any obvious signs of damage. Ball joints will clunk when worn out.

 

I’ve got the skid plate off, never put it back on after changing all the fluids last Fall.

 

Ok then still disregard that suggestion. I'd put the front up on jackstands if you can and start manipulating different components trying to replicate the clunk

 

I would squirt some oil into where the sway bar goes through the two rubber mounts, then drive the truck around the block and see if the noise goes away. If it doesn't, the next thing I would suspect in a case like yours would be the lower ball joints. If I had no idea when they were last replaced, I would replace them with genuine Toyota parts. And don't wait around for clunks to sound.

Search for "Check 1998 Toyota Tacoma lower ball joints" and you'll find out it's pretty easy to check them. All you need is a jack and an extra long bit flathead screwdriver or a crowbar.