things that go bump....

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Jun 7, 2004 | 06:50 PM

Muddog999

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things that go bump....

Hey all... new user here,

Novice here looking for suggestions. 99 XLT 4x4/4.0 w/ 86k. Seems to be some chatter in the front/passenger side which I initially thought axle joint/ball joint. With the wheel off the ground there is no play whatsoever (top to bottom or left to right.) It seems to be more pronounced in a hard (right) turn or rough road at slow speed. The tires are severely cupped, but I don't think they should make that much racket.

Thanks for any input.. I refuse to head to the dealer blindly with an open invitation to go searching.

Jun 7, 2004 | 09:02 PM

Ken00

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From: South Jersey

Welcome to FTE!!

I would start with rotating the tires, then look at the shocks.

Jun 8, 2004 | 12:42 AM

hreed

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From: Homer, Alaska

Sounds like shocks are bad. Try rocking the front end. Watch what it does. If the shocks are bad, it will bounce once or twice. If they are good, it should just stop. If the tires are severely cupped, they may be making the noise. Any time something is "severe", it is a cause for concern.

Jun 8, 2004 | 08:18 AM

wire4money

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From: Sunriver, Or

I think ford front ends are hard on tires. as an electrician, i have used many ford vans. they always cupped the tires pretty good. my ranger will too if you don't rotate the tires often.

Jun 8, 2004 | 08:34 AM

Muddog999

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excuse my...

lack of knowledge..it's frustrating diagnosing all the noises. This old farmboy used to be good at some of this stuff back in the day...

I've tried to stave off giving up my firstborn to buy tires, but the time has come. Any recommendations? P vs LT? (245/75/16) I rarely haul anything but the ocassional sled trailer.

After reading other posts here, I'm concerned about the cv & ball joints. Are there definite signs as to when they are failing? I was never to keen on not needing a grease gun on my 3000 mile maintenance.

...your tolerance/advice is appreciated

Jun 8, 2004 | 08:50 PM

Ken00

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From: South Jersey

A trailer won't add much load, no need for LTs then.

Jun 8, 2004 | 09:02 PM

hreed

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From: Homer, Alaska

I agree with you about the grease gun. For a few cents of grease, you can make most metal moving parts last a long time. If you don't see or feel any looseness when the tire is off the ground, I wouldn't be concerned. If a ball joint, tie rod end, etc is failing you can feel it and see it. Sometimes even with the wheel on the ground. Give it a good shake! And if you replace any parts, make sure there is a "zerk" there for that few cents of grease. Sometimes the new parts come without it. I usually drill and tap for the zerk. It's worth the time and effort. Good luck.