Mystery suspension/ frame popping

Hello all,

Long time lurker and new member here. I have a strange popping/ knocking sound coming from the front passenger side/ wheel well. It sounds almost like a rock being thrown. What is so strange is that it will only happen on occasional left turns. The turns are not necessarily sharp either. If I do a 'slalom' movement it will pop almost every left turn. It does not pop over bumps at all so I don't think its any control arms. What do you guys think? It's a 96' 2.7 trd 5 speed. I have read about some cab bolt issues, though I'm not sure if its the issue.

Thanks! Im really stoked about finally joining the forum.

 

Sounds like you better check your ball joints, how does it steer ??

 

definitely check front suspension, more than likely balls, but could be a bad inner or outer tie rod, or control arm bushings, it should be attended to quickly, it will only get worse...

 

It seems to steer fine. I'm swapping out all the sway bar bushings with new poly in hope that it is the problem. Probably not but they are shot anyways. Ill look into the ball joints then. I had figured if it was them, bumps would also cause the knocking noise. When I get back in town ill post what I find out. Any thing else you guys think I should check?

 

Jack up that corner of your truck, set it on jackstands, and give it a good shove to make sure it's not gonna come crashing down.

Then grab the wheel and wiggle it with all your might. Find the clunking. Replace the broken part.

 

I have seen where the lower shock bushing fails causing the bottom of the shock to move around, The can result in a popping type noise when the suspension cycles.

Here is an example

 

True, this could also cause what OP describes...

 

That is what mine look like right now. I get a pop when starting from a stop. Hoping that is the problem... Installing some 5100s soon..

 

Sorry for the delay fellas! Went fishing on the coast for the week. So after checking everything out, my best guess would be the LBJ. The rubber does appear to be worn, though theres not any leaked grease. So, if I replace the passenger side do I need to do the drivers side as well? Also I think ill order from LowRangeOffroad. Are their ball joints any good? I know theres a lot of speculation about different brands of LBJs. I am also getting new struts so ill get new bushings for that.

 

Had a similar issue with mine, steering would pop every left turn. Found out it was the set of rubber isolaters for the rack was worn out. Replaced em and poof! Problem solved. Just a suggestion, mind you.

 

Awesome! Ill definitely check that out then.

 

Okay fellas, I took my truck to get a new front passenger bearing, hub, and all that jazz. I had assumed the bearing was not responsible for the noise, but as it turns out it was. The bearing had not failed yet, but it was pretty dang close. Im pretty stoked I don't have any LBJ work to do now!