Notices
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: DP Tuner

Front end noise , please help

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 2, 2005 | 10:17 AM
  #1  
dunbar15's Avatar
dunbar15
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: NH
Front end noise , please help

I bought my first PSD, A few years ago, love it. I have a question for you guys that have alot of experience with these trucks. Its a 2000 F350
crew cab xlt 4x4 SRW. 130K miles. When I hit pot holes when city driving the front end makes a clunking noise, like when struts are bad on a car and it
hits a hole or bump. I've had all new shocks installed, top of the line monroes,
the stealership has checked the front end during inspections, they say my ball
joints are good, no other problems seen, My question is: IS THIS NORMAL ??
I bought it with 97K miles on it and dont know what is rode like when it was new. Is it due to the leaf springs design , versus a coil design like in the 05's??
If it isnt normal what can I do to fix it.. Sorry for the novel and THANKs for your help...
 
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2005 | 10:25 AM
  #2  
CEP's Avatar
CEP
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: NH
A couple of questions for you;
Have you done any suspension modifications (lift kit/leveling kit)?
Do you have any play in your steering and/or does it bind or knock when turning from wheel stop to stop?

Jack up the front end and do a quick inspection. Check the tie rods, ball joints, front wheel berings/hubs and anti-sway bar linkages. You'll also want to verify that the front shocks are on tight.

- Where in NH are you located?
 
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2005 | 10:34 AM
  #3  
dunbar15's Avatar
dunbar15
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: NH
Thanks CEP, No mods to truck, stock all the way.. No problems with loose steering, binding, knocking.. I live in Raymond NH..
I'll check the items CEP said to check,

Does anyone have a 2000 or 1999 F350 that does this ?? Still wondering if its just the nature of the beast, I know its not a F150 and shouldnt expect
a F150 ride... But I'm a feak and if this isnt right I want to fix it..

Thanks
 
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2005 | 12:14 PM
  #4  
roaky81's Avatar
roaky81
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 374
Likes: 0
From: Ridgecrest, CA
I have a 2000 F-250 xtra cab 4x4 and haven't noticed any thunk'n yet. It may be due to my previous truck being a 93 F-250 xtra cab 4x2, the frame would pop every now and again at real slow speed and turning (like parking lots, backing out of a driveway, etc). I remember someone saying that this happens with Fords due to the rivets holding the suspension brackets to the frame. The fix (if you could find the culprit, which I could never find) was to remove the rivets and install grade-8 bolts.
 
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2005 | 07:25 AM
  #5  
EDMGUY69's Avatar
EDMGUY69
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Mills River N.C.
abt a year and a half after i put spring hanger kit on my 2000 noticed the same sounds that i think you're hearing. lower bushings in sway-bar links were worn-out.
replaced and no more clanking.. just my 2 cents
 
Reply
Old Jun 3, 2005 | 11:29 AM
  #6  
tjbeggs's Avatar
tjbeggs
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 12,835
Likes: 3
From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI
Club FTE Silver Member

the sway bar bushing that are attach the sway bar to the front axle are probably your noise. if you can grab the bar and move it in any direction the bushing are bad. they take about 5 minutes to replace.

hope that helps
tim
 
Reply
Old Jun 4, 2005 | 09:45 AM
  #7  
dunbar15's Avatar
dunbar15
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: NH
Smile

tjbeggs, EDMGUY69, roaky81, CEP, Thanks Guys, I'll check those sway bar bushings, youve made me very happy, I thought you guys would come back with thats the way that suspension sounds due to leaf spring design, I plan on keeping the truck for a long time and that noise has been driving me crazy..
Thanks again guys.. Lou
 
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2005 | 09:27 PM
  #8  
DD1684's Avatar
DD1684
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 794
Likes: 0
From: MA
My 2000 with 140K was making clunking noises when I bought it. Turns out it was the sway bar bushings. Careful though, as I believe there are two kinds of bushing available. The early replacement bushings were known to crap out early.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Jun 6, 2005 | 11:48 PM
  #9  
rockyrider's Avatar
rockyrider
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
I have a 97 F350, and it clicks, & clunks, and grinds. I've had it checked twice and they never find anything. It's driving me crazy!
 
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2005 | 11:59 PM
  #10  
touchofgrey's Avatar
touchofgrey
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 798
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by CEP
Jack up the front end and do a quick inspection. Check the tie rods, ball joints, front wheel berings/hubs and anti-sway bar linkages. You'll also want to verify that the front shocks are on tight.

- Where in NH are you located?
One other thing I would add to CEP's list.......buried down deep in the long range
maintenance schedule, Ford recomemnds checking the torque on the "U" bolts on the 4x4s at 160k. Your's is 30k under that.....but it might be something to look at.
 
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2005 | 01:40 PM
  #11  
dunbar15's Avatar
dunbar15
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: NH
Smile thanks guys

I'll check those ubolts, havent checked the sway bars yet but will be asap and will let you know how I make out..
 
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2005 | 01:46 PM
  #12  
dunbar15's Avatar
dunbar15
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: NH
where to get sway bar bushings

do I have to go through the dealership if I need the sway bar bushings??
if not where is the best place to get them ?? autozone, napa ??
Are there different grades ??
 
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2005 | 02:12 PM
  #13  
CEP's Avatar
CEP
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: NH
NAPA may have them, if not, go to Regan Ford in Haverhill (on Rt97). They seem to have the largest parts inventory in the NE area.
 
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2005 | 04:20 PM
  #14  
touchofgrey's Avatar
touchofgrey
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 798
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by dunbar15
I'll check those ubolts, havent checked the sway bars yet but will be asap and will let you know how I make out..
Those Ubolts have a specific torque. Make sure you find out what it is.....wouldn't want that front axle comming out from under there while your driving.
 
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2005 | 08:37 PM
  #15  
18vtx00's Avatar
18vtx00
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 10
From: Templeton, Massachussetts
Smile

Originally Posted by dunbar15
Thanks CEP, No mods to truck, stock all the way.. No problems with loose steering, binding, knocking.. I live in Raymond NH..
I'll check the items CEP said to check,

Does anyone have a 2000 or 1999 F350 that does this ?? Still wondering if its just the nature of the beast, I know its not a F150 and shouldnt expect
a F150 ride... But I'm a feak and if this isnt right I want to fix it..

Thanks
i would look at the sway bar end links and the bar to frame bushings. just did the dushings on a clean 99SD w/ only 80K. climb under there and the bar should not move up and down in the rubber bushings. short money too!!
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:58 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE