I have an 88 F-150 with a 300, C6, 8.8 3.55 rear end. There is a pop/ creak sound coming from the back of the truck when I make a turn. I does it every time, no matter what the speed, and sometimes when I go over rough roads. I am going to check the leaf spring mounts and bushings and the bed to frame bolts. The bumper is tight, so is the spare tire, the axle and u-joints seem to be good. I am replacing the wheel bearings and seals in a few days. Is there anything else that could be causing this? Signs of a worn rear end? Has anyone else had this problem? Any ideas would be helpful because it is so damn annoying everytime I go around a corner and hear a loud pop?

 

I don't know what the problem is but I hope somebody does because I've had the same problem with my 96 for the past 2 years. I'll be keeping a hopeful eye on this post.

 

I have a 1990 f150, the noise is coming from the frame rivots if you google this you should get the infomation you so desire. The only fix I know of is to drill out the rivots and install grade 9 or higher hardened bolts.

 

ive also heard of the transmission crossmember making noises, there is a procedure for fixing that, i think i remember, let me know if you want it.

 

I thought the rivit problem was on the front end. Is it a problem all over the truck?

 

From experience the front crossmember upto 86,rivots would "loosen".Trans. crossmember upto 93-94,just a matter of re-torqing bolts.But don't take this for gospel.Normally these noises are heard in front while turning wheel/sitting still or just idleing back and forth in gear.

 

theres too many things that it "could be" best thing is too grab the box and shake it side to side ,lift up /down - get underneath and see if you have movement at the box frame bolts - rear shock rubbers etc etc - you will find it just be a little rough with it to mimic the amount of force that is making your sound,- did you put the brakes on too hard one day and buldge the frnt of the box into the cab --- i did .LOL good luck

 

Thanks for the info. I think it has something to do with the bed or leaf springs. I can reproduce the noise by grabbing ahold of the very back end of the bed and shaking the hell out of it from side to side.

 

Have you looked at the shocks? It may be a loose or busted shock.

 

hey just a question, Try removing your tailgate (if you have one) and taking a ride, i know mine makes a wicked racket around corners and bumps.

 

I'll try that. I never thought of that. Doh!
Also, does anyone how hard it is to replace the leaf spring bushings? Just by looking at the edges, I can tell they are cracked pretty badly. My truck use to hall around a 2000 to 3000 lb sprayer for a pesticide company before I got it about 2.5 years ago. So the rear end had a lot more use than most truck beds. I glad it came with an overload leaf spring.

 

the worst part is getting the bolts out, but i would reccomend energy suspension bushings and new bolts, then your probly looking at a couple hours, an air hammer helps to drive out the bolts, but if i remember right, the back ones suck, you may even have to take the hanger off the frame, but i cant remember excactly, but bad bushings on your springs will make alot of noise, along with if the little plastic pads between the leaves are gone, or loose shocks. so something to check, i thought i saw that someone said to shake and bounce the back of the truck, thats the best way to figure it out. good luck.

 

cut the bolts and burn out the rubber bushings - just dont heat the metal up too much if you see metal turning red stop and let cool - propane torch will work .save your self the pain and agony of removing the bolts with a wrench - i used to work at a spring shop this is how we did it alway's.

 

thats good to know, i was wondering how they got them out so quick, it took me forever, when i did a friends truck.