Suspension Popping
Thread Starter
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,404
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
Suspension Popping
OK I am starting this thread to continue from my ball joint thread since the subject has changed....
E99 Lariat 4x4 crew cab
Here are all the new parts installed over the past 2 weeks...
Ball joints
Outer tie rods
adjuster sleeve
knuckle seal
axle tube seal
hub bearings & all o-rings.
brake pads All 4 wheels
calipers All 4 wheels
brackets All 4 wheels
slide pins All 4 wheels
Sway bar bushings (1 yr ago) Still like new.
New tires.
Today the mechanic at the alignment shop called to come by as he missed reinstalling the retainer clip for the adjuster sleeve.
We looked and could not find anything obvious for the popping sound I am getting from the front end.
The popping sounds happen when going like from the road to a parking lot and the tires hit the slight dip one at a time. As the truck travels through it, it rocks back and forth and gives me a popping sound with each rocking motion.
This is driving me nuts. Any recommendations?
The only thing I can thing of is the drag link from the steering box to the tie rod and/or the shocks. These have not been replaced in the 10yrs I have owned this truck.
HALP!
E99 Lariat 4x4 crew cab
Here are all the new parts installed over the past 2 weeks...
Ball joints
Outer tie rods
adjuster sleeve
knuckle seal
axle tube seal
hub bearings & all o-rings.
brake pads All 4 wheels
calipers All 4 wheels
brackets All 4 wheels
slide pins All 4 wheels
Sway bar bushings (1 yr ago) Still like new.
New tires.
Today the mechanic at the alignment shop called to come by as he missed reinstalling the retainer clip for the adjuster sleeve.
We looked and could not find anything obvious for the popping sound I am getting from the front end.
The popping sounds happen when going like from the road to a parking lot and the tires hit the slight dip one at a time. As the truck travels through it, it rocks back and forth and gives me a popping sound with each rocking motion.
This is driving me nuts. Any recommendations?
The only thing I can thing of is the drag link from the steering box to the tie rod and/or the shocks. These have not been replaced in the 10yrs I have owned this truck.
HALP!
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 335
Likes: 1
From: Richmond, Texas
Even though you say the sway bar bushings are new, I'd start there. I replace mine (for free under warranty) about once a year. I drive through two approaches similar to what you described every day, and when I hear that popping noise, I know exactly what it is. Take 'em off, swap 'em out at AZ, and no more popping for a year.
Thread Starter
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,404
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
Even though you say the sway bar bushings are new, I'd start there. I replace mine (for free under warranty) about once a year. I drive through two approaches similar to what you described every day, and when I hear that popping noise, I know exactly what it is. Take 'em off, swap 'em out at AZ, and no more popping for a year.
I can always swap em out to see.
Yeah....you are the second here to mention the body mounts and one of the guys here at work said that too. I am hoping it isn't them. I have heard horror stories of those bolts breaking then a PITA to get them out for new ones.
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Thread Starter
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,404
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
yeah yeah... I know. My wife is the one who brought that up to me and keeps reminding me. Ugh 
I think I am going to go with the drag link from the steering box first since it is cheaper than a set of shocks. Will et em ordered today.
I think I am going to go with the drag link from the steering box first since it is cheaper than a set of shocks. Will et em ordered today.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 10,750
Likes: 1,065
From: Douglassville, PA
If you do go with new sway bar end links, Ford has an updated version of them that I got, they have ball joints in them instead of rubber or poly inserts. The cost a little but they are a good quality replacement.
Thread Starter
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,404
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
Yeah I saw those. How are they for maintenance?
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 335
Likes: 1
From: Richmond, Texas
I think I only get a year out of them due to the two approaches I use everyday. And most days, I use those approaches multiple times. That, and the fact that they're AZ. Another "popping" issue I've had was with the bushings on the shocks. If your shocks are old, that could be it. Reach past the tire, grab the top of the shock and push/pull. See if there's some play. I HATE having unnecessary noises in my truck. I'm always chasing some sort of pop or rattle.
Thread Starter
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,404
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
I think I only get a year out of them due to the two approaches I use everyday. And most days, I use those approaches multiple times. That, and the fact that they're AZ. Another "popping" issue I've had was with the bushings on the shocks. If your shocks are old, that could be it. Reach past the tire, grab the top of the shock and push/pull. See if there's some play. I HATE having unnecessary noises in my truck. I'm always chasing some sort of pop or rattle.
Thanks for the info. I will check the shocks as well. Just ordered up the new steering links that attach to the pitman arm. Should be an easy swap.