I've got a 2002 F250 6.8 with a popping sound from the front left I think. I've replaced the ball joints recently but they appear tight with no wear. When the truck racks side to side, like pulling out of the drive and the frame twists a bit, it seems to be worse. I've had the suspension checked by NTB after a tire rotation and they advised the pittman arm needs replacing. I don't feel the popping in the steering wheel tho so I don't think that's my problem.

I've been under it numerous times with a pry bar and cant make it happen. I've jumped on the front corners with 2 people, no luck. Same in the back with no luck. I've had it off the ground w/ jacks on the frame rails and cant find anything loose. Could it be the track bar bushings? They look dry rotted but not falling apart. I've not put a wrench to the shocks in the front but they appear tight. It's driving me nuts. I've even rode on the bumper guard with the hood up and the kid driving to see if I can see anything move, no luck.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Greg

 

i also have a similar popping sound that you describe but mine only happen s when it rains or the roads are wet

 

Do a search on this site about the slip joint on the drive shaft. they get sticky after a while and will pop or clunk as the joint moves in or out. There is a great write up on here about taking it apart and greasing it.

 

I'd say it sounds like sway bar bushings.

If you do a search here for "driver side clunk", you'll see similar reports.

 

thanks, I've replaced the front sway bar bushings recently and they certainly needed it but didn't remedy the problem. I'll look more on the search tool.

 

Its your tie rod end.Mine did the same so I had a friend turn the wheels from side to side while I looked from under the truck. I could see the tie rod end pop as he turned.

 

I think I've found it. I tightened the body bolt on the driver side front and when I drove to work, I didnt feel anything. I heard another pop but it seemed to be more distant than the previous PIA. I didnt drive very far or rack the vehicle like I do at the hunting lease so the jury is still out but much improved. Now I can search for the other minor noises. Thanks to all for the input, I'd never thought of the body bolts. I'll probably tighten them all just to make myself feel better.

BBFMaverick, I dont doubt my tie rods need some work but I've been under the truck with someone turning the wheel and nothing makes noise like what I was feeling on the road. Maybe a level kit in the near future will narrow down some more noises.

Thanks again.

 

Well drove a couple hundred miles including some 4x4 use on a couple job sites and all is much better. Still got a few pops but nothing like what I had before, it was mostly the body bolts. I after the rest of them when the weather improves just to make sure the passenger side isn't popping either. Cant say enough good stuff about the folks willing to share on this site. Thanks

 

Glad it's workin' out, thanks for reporting back!