Before I climb on the ground and go over the front (there is snow on the ground and I am still like 26 days from owning my first home and having a garage FINALLY.) Very recently the truck started to make a little low pop noise and you can feel it in the steering wheel a little bit, when I turn sharply, almost to the stop by not completely and it will start. Not dumb when it comes to vehicles, but new to these trucks so always good to ask for common problems first!

Ideas?

 

How about a little info on your truck ....? What year, what model. the bodystyle, 2x4, 4x4, stock suspension, lift, etc, etc ?

 

Apologies, thinking I was over on my Wrangler forum apparently, they know me and the jeep well, and all the stats are in my signature over there. Please forgive me!

Ok, here we go, 2001 F250 Super Duty XLT SuperCab 5.4L 4x4, all stock.

 

Ball joints will "pop" when the start to go bad, hence a clunking feel. Could be either top or bottom units.
Not sure how many miles but it's age could validate that.

 

153k miles, unsure on if they have been replaced before, completely plausible. I will say that it is at almost full lock and full lock, either direction, and almost seems that it could possibly be influenced by speed, meaning the faster I go, the faster it clunks, I wasn't thinking a ball joint as it wasn't as hard as usually a ball joint will "pop" but then again this truck is a lot bigger than my Wrangler, and probably could hide some of the pop I am used to with a bad ball joint in the wrangler, will test this weekend if some of this snow disappears. I saw they said we might hit 60s next week! Woot! Though it will most likely snow now that I mention warmth....

 

Are the hubs locked in? I take it you are aware when the hubs are locked in that you get bind in the u-joints when turning tight. This makes some noise, a little bucking and you can feel it.

My sway bar ends links on my truck are worn now and I get some noise during tight turned and over bumps. But it does not change with speed. I am trying to put it off another month until it warms up to replace them.

 

I am aware of that and have thought of that, and will have to check to see if they are locked, I am pretty sure they are unlocked, but not 100% confident. My sway bar link ends are shot as well as the bushings. Have been for a few YEARS this was my grandads truck and I told him all the time it what that noise was when he hit a bump. Nope, didn't buy it, his mechanic said it was the brakes I have the new links and bushings, but with all this stupid snow and not having a garage yet (YET!!! 26 days until I get mine, woot woot!) Guess I'll drive the wrangler until I get some time or at least warmth and dry pavement.

 

Where are you from? Have you visited your local chapter here on FTE? I know the guys in my chapter are always willing to lend a hand and a warm space to work. I never should have told them that I have a hoist though.