What's causing clunking noise going over bumps?

Hi just got my first truck about a month ago and hoping you guys can help me since I'm new to working on cars. I noticed my 2014 2.7L 4WD ~83k miles has been making a clunking noise going over bumps, especially if I don't slow down to about 10mph (if I slow down enough, it wont clunk).

I jacked up the front of the truck and wiggled the tires in the 3&9position and also 12&6 positions. There's a bit of play and clicking feeling in the 3&9 positions on both passenger and driver side. From my youtubing seems like it could be a bad tie rod, bushings, or maybe bearing. How do I further diagnose what's wrong here? How concerned should I be driving it as it is?

 

Welcome.

There is no 2.4 4wd. If it's a 4, it's a 2.7 . That will be helpful info when ordering parts

Make sure your spare tire is secured properly. And aired up. If it's flat like many people's are, it can bang around pretty easily

Always start simple then move up the difficulty scale when doing diagnosis.

 

Oop, youre so right, its a 2.7 not 2.4!

Spare tire is secured. I lifted the front up to check for play in the the vertical and horizontal directions. No play in 12&6, but definitely some play in 3&9 positions on both front wheels.

I'm thinking its the outer tie rods. Should I go greasable or not-greasable tie rods? Where do people like to order parts for their truck?

 

Sankei 555 outer tie rods are about the best replacement for the Tacomas that I've found, they do get surface rust rather quickly for me so throw some paint on them if that bothers you

 

Is there a paint type you would recommend?

 

Just hit it with a coat of spray paint, any brand will work. I try to avoid th threaded area

 

Thank you!

 

Guessing you already tried this but while you're there check the stabilizer bar links if you didn't. I had one snap that was making an occasional odd noise and I was baffled until I happened to notice it after dropping my keys haha.