4x4 clicking left front in 4WD, suspension knock/pop

Hi, I'm new to the site and recently bought a used 09 TRD Sport double cab long bed with a 3" OME lift. I'm trying to learn as much as I can by searching here, talking with other Taco friends, and learning the repair manual. Thanks in advance for any help.

The truck has been fine since I bought it in August. Last month I took it off roading here in Colorado and it performed well in 4HI and 4LO, in mixed conditions. Today I took it on an easy offroad trail that only required 2WD, but tried to shift into 4HI just to be safe. I am concerned because when in 4HI or 4LO, a clicking/ticking noise is coming from the left front area. The noise happens when driving with the wheel turned both left and right; but it doesn't make the noise when driving straight. Can anybody please help me diagnose the problem?

Perhaps related is another suspension knock/pop noise I get also in the front left area. That usually happens when I hit a sudden bump at high or low speeds. It sounds bad, and only on the left front side. If you can imagine driving abruptly over a pothole (large or small), and hearing a loud knock/pop from the left front suspension. The noise also happens a lot when on washboard roads with larger washboard bumps. The right side is solid/good.

I'd appreciate any advice from others on the forum. If there are any Toyota/Tacoma mechanics near Glenwood Springs, CO, I would be interested in getting a reliable mechanic.

Thanks, Brown84

 

Possible CV joint seized up maybe, how are the ball joints?

 

Is the popping/clicking/ticking present just in 4x mode ?? If so more than likely you're CV has issues, check your CV boots & look for about a ton of grease slung all over hell too, this would indicate CV boots are torn , have leaked out all the lube & the tripod/tulip joint is dry as hell & most likely shot, usually once they start making noise, you're time & $$ ahead by just replacing the CV shafts with OEM or equivelent

 

What Doug says ^^^

 

What David says I said^^^^^^^^^^^

 

Thanks guys. I'll take a look later, borrowing the lady's car.

 

The ticking is in 4wd only. The suspension knock/pop is all the time if I hit a bump abruptly.

 

What happens if the CV axle boot rips is the grease all flings out (and dirt gets in)... either way, the parts go metal to metal without the grease barrier, wear, other bad stuff, and then makes the knocking or clicking noises you describe... as 4WD Doug says!

 

^^^ what they all said about the cv... I also have had some odd pops and knocks come from my front suspension when hitting potholes, and turning sharply at slow speeds. This started after getting the front end aligned, turns out they didn't torque the LCA to spec. I tightened it up and it stopped. might want to try that too.