Clunking while driving at low speeds

Hey all, I'm slowly but surely trying to fix all the wrong with my truck. I don't know much about the history of the truck. What is apparent is the rust and that it likely has been a Maine vehicle or lived somewhere in the NE all it's life. The previous owner clearly didn't give two Fs about it. My guess, and let me say I'm not mechanically inclined, but not afraid to get into the simpler projects, is that maybe it's the part pictured below? This is looking at front left and front right wheel wells while laying between the two. Any thoughts on what might be causing the clunk at low speeds? Otherwise the brakes feel fine except for a bit of a lurch when coming to a complete stop, and then again when accelerating from a stop. Rotors and pads feel fine, there is a small squeal when reversing out of my parking space. If I can think of anything else I'll try to update the thread. Let me know if more pictures are necessary to give a good diagnosis.

Replacing the U-Joints and Center Support Bearing soon! Thank you so much in advance for this wonderful community and all of your help !!!

 

It very well could be the center support bearing.
That and the u-joints would be a good start.

I’d also take a look at the steering shaft.
It’s known to rust up badly and causes steering issues. Not a clunk, but with the rust I see in those pictures I wouldn’t be surprised if your is rusted. Spray down now, don’t wait until later.

See here for what it is, and how to get to it.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/steering-knuckle-grease.528747/#post-16895139

Now, with that being said. Is the clunk only happening at slow speed when going over “rough” roads.
Like a gravel or dirt road? This is Normal as a Toyota left a lot of slop in the upper steering shaft bushing.

 

I'm in an urban center. This is Maine though so even Main Streets are rough. My guess is it is the dust shield. Could be time for a front brake overhaul though.

 

Try tightening the LCA cam bolts. My truck had a clunk sound at low speeds and this was the issue.

 

That lurch feeling is most likely the control arm bushings. And seeing how the driver side BJ boot is torn, I would replace all the BJ’s as well. With that mush rust, don't be surprised if the front cam bolts are seized. Also check the inner/outer tie rods for excessive play.

 

I'm wondering now if this is the cv axles? Does this sound like a likely culprit?

 

Just putting it out there, I always have brake pad slap that can be heard at slow speeds stopping and going like in traffic.

 

Try it in a parking lot to isolate the condition as precisely as possible. Is the clunk from rolling forward on smooth pavement? From accelerating/decelerating? From going over bumps or potholes?

If the clunk is from going over bumps or potholes, any of the ball joints and control arm bushings could be suspect. I'd start with whatever is leaking first (i.e. lower ball joint in the photo). To avoid costs spiraling out of control, replace the lower ball joint in-situ, without removing the lower control arm from the vehicle. Use Mevotech TTX, Moog, or TRW ball joint.

 

I notice it when coasting, accelerating or decelerating. For example when in a sustained turn (highway on ramp) the other day I heard it consistently the whole turn. I'll start with the ball joints as that is a cheap and from what I've seen fairly easy replacement. Any tips for a first timer doing this job? If I can record the sound I'll definitely upload it.

 

My vision sucks, but is the boot on the lower ball joint in the second pic torn?

 

Like clunk clunk clunk like its some that rotates? If so then its probably a cv axle.

 

Here's a couple of short YT vids of the sound micc is describing. Note one of the videos has the noise even going straight, and one is described as the driver accelerating, but the reality of it is that most people start hearing it only on turns before it gets bad enough to hear going straight, and it usually doesn't require accelerating.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjLC27XelwA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c1nxR7aq1o

 

It's quite possible. Those are on my list to replace. List isn't getting any shorter.

 

These sound similar, my sounds a bit more like crunching metal with a hammer or something like that.

 

Starting with the cheaper items, LBJ and Upper Tie Rod ends. Look like those are leaking too. Hoping this makes a difference.

 

Does it "cluck" between 1000-1200 rpm then go away when you down shift so the RPMs go higher?
If So, I had the same problem. Thought it was my Tranny. My Clunking fix was actually my Number 2 coil.
Mine finally registered an error. 302.

 

If you mean ignition coils I haven't replaced coils per se, but I just did all spark plugs and that did seem to help it run much quieter. Idled at about that range (1000-1200rpm), now down to around 500. Big improvement if you ask me.

I've replaced 2/3 universal joints on the driveshaft. Didn't have access to an impact wrench so had to stop there. Plan on finishing that job so replacing the rear u joint at the diff and the center support bearing.

Then it's on to LBJs and tie rod ends. What is the easiest way for a relative novice to get these out. I think the LBJ is going to be the harder of the two jobs so if I can just hammer them out that would be better than having to buy specialized tools. Any advice at all for either job is welcome! So glad I found this community as it has always been extremely helpful. Thank you all again for that.

I found this for getting LBJs in:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xvWpeOCSq4&list=PL7XjixWhdSqxxyBly6mvpyyB_nUwWBjNj&index=2&t=23s For the tie rod ends I found this.

Seems like paying attention to the thread count when replacing tie rod ends is the most important. Found this video for that process:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcydKXdydAA&list=PL7XjixWhdSqxxyBly6mvpyyB_nUwWBjNj&index=14