Another 4X4 clunking

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Dec 21, 2004 | 12:32 PM

mstaser

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Mar 2003

Posts: 137

Likes: 0

From: Kickapoo, IL.

Another 4X4 clunking

On my '95 F150 I have a savere clunk when 4WD is engaged and the wheel is turned. It doesn't happen when I am just driving straight. And it doesn't matter if I am in mud, snow, ice, or pavement. The only thing I can think of is that my radius arm on the left side is loose due to not having a gromment where it bolts to the frame. The arm will slide an inch or two either direction. I was wondering if that would cause that problem or do I need to look at something else. I have the new grommet to fix the problem I just want to know if I should look at something else while I am under there.

Thanks
Matt

Dec 21, 2004 | 04:13 PM

92supercab

Senior User

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 155

Likes: 0

From: Alaska

While your down there check the rivets that hold the radius arm braket to the frame. They have a habit of coming loose. I had to have mine replaced on the drivers side. It was causing a loud clunking sound right under my feet. Also make sure you check both sides.

Dec 21, 2004 | 09:18 PM

Skottt

Junior User

Joined: Jul 2001

Posts: 71

Likes: 0

From: Ellensburg, WA

If the radius arm bushing is totally gone, you'd probably hear it rattle around over every bump, not just while turning in 4wd. When I lost mine, it was more of a loud rattle than a clunk. Check your ball joints too.

Dec 21, 2004 | 09:37 PM

ATC_250SX

Posting Guru

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 1,071

Likes: 1

From: Concord, New Hampshire

also check your front u-joints, they tend to make alot of noise when all the bearings fall out, when mine went in my 87 f-150 it was nasty sounding while you were using the four wheel drive.

Dec 22, 2004 | 01:50 AM

jimmyluvin

New User

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 4

Likes: 0

From: Spokane

Check your axle pivot bushings. Mine were destroyed and everytime I turned the wheel the whole axle would spin about a 1/4" and slam into the axle pivot brackets.

Tim

Dec 22, 2004 | 02:05 PM

blu

Elder User

Joined: Jun 2002

Posts: 519

Likes: 0

From: CT

I've got an F-250 with this problem right now.
Turn to the left with the 4wd engaged and it clunks feels likes its coming from right under my feet -- its a nasty loud clunk. Not using 4wd till I figure this out.
Put it up on a lift and spun the wheels with the front driveshaft removed and noticed nothing obvious . Expected if it was a front differential issue that I'd have a "flat" spot where when I rotated the left front wheel (hub locked) the wheel would spin but the driveshaft would not -- meaning either the spline or spider gear was breaking apart /chipped.
Any other checks I can do while its on a lift?

Dec 22, 2004 | 03:57 PM

ATC_250SX

Posting Guru

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 1,071

Likes: 1

From: Concord, New Hampshire

use a pry bar and check your u-joints, its probly the problem, they dont do anything for long periods of time, then you start to move them, makes things rust more when there not used. i think anyways, plus they do wear out, so good think to look at.