Suspension problems
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From: waco
Suspension problems
We're working on a 1973 two wheel drive SWB F100. It's got a 460, C6, and Ford 9" traction loc rear end.
It has a popping noise coming from undereath when I drive it. That sounds just like when a radius arm bushing gets bad. Everything in the front end is about a year old except the I beams, radius arms, and spindels.
So far I've double checked that everything is in good shape and tight on the front end. I also regreased everything. I checked the bushings on the sway bars on both ends of the truck. I pulled the drive shaft out of it and double checked the U joints and greased them also. I went from one end of the truck to the other checking bolt on components such as the engine perches, and cross members. I also checked the motor mounts. Everything apears to be in good repair and tight.
Any one have an idea of where to look next?
Doc
It has a popping noise coming from undereath when I drive it. That sounds just like when a radius arm bushing gets bad. Everything in the front end is about a year old except the I beams, radius arms, and spindels.
So far I've double checked that everything is in good shape and tight on the front end. I also regreased everything. I checked the bushings on the sway bars on both ends of the truck. I pulled the drive shaft out of it and double checked the U joints and greased them also. I went from one end of the truck to the other checking bolt on components such as the engine perches, and cross members. I also checked the motor mounts. Everything apears to be in good repair and tight.
Any one have an idea of where to look next?
Doc
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From: waco
It's popping over towards the right side, and it happens at all different times....slowing down, accelerating, turning corners, and going straight. However, it doesn't do it the same time every time.
Doc
Doc
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Do you have lockers in the rear end? Maybe one is binding and causing the popping noise when one wheel needs to spin faster than the other like under a cornering situation.
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From: waco
Matt,
I pulled the drive shaft out, and checked my U joints. They seemed to be in good shape. Also they are both only a year old. I regresed them and put the drive shaft in....still have the pop.
Mike
I pulled the drive shaft out, and checked my U joints. They seemed to be in good shape. Also they are both only a year old. I regresed them and put the drive shaft in....still have the pop.
Mike
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Mike,
Man sounds like you've checked everything possible. I wonder about that traction lock. If you have another chunk you might change it just to see. I know that's a lot of work...I'd hate to do that myself without knowing for sure. It might be a last resort kinda thing.
Good Luck!
Tracy
Man sounds like you've checked everything possible. I wonder about that traction lock. If you have another chunk you might change it just to see. I know that's a lot of work...I'd hate to do that myself without knowing for sure. It might be a last resort kinda thing.
Good Luck!
Tracy
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I have similar problem noise
I have a similar problem like docholiday72tx.
I have a 1978 2WD LWB F100 with 300-inline, 4-speed OD manual transmission, single driveshaft and Ford 9" rear end. The truck has 119,000 original miles and it has been maintained very meticulously. In the last couple of months I have noticed this odd metallic creaking/popping noise from the front suspension (driver’s side), noticeable only when taking off and turning the steering (either direction) or when driving at very slow speeds and turning. I have an inclined driveway and that is usually the place where I hear the noise. I have checked and re-greased as needed all of the front suspension components. I recently (2 months) also replaced the U joints on the driveshaft. First I thought I had a broken engine mount, but these are fine. How does it sound when a king pin goes bad??
By the way, I have had an on/off small leak from the steering gear, but I have never let the pump/lines go dry on me. What other things/items could I check to find the source of this noise (which I know I need to find and fix before something breaks on me; this is my daily driver). Thanks,
Raúl
I have a 1978 2WD LWB F100 with 300-inline, 4-speed OD manual transmission, single driveshaft and Ford 9" rear end. The truck has 119,000 original miles and it has been maintained very meticulously. In the last couple of months I have noticed this odd metallic creaking/popping noise from the front suspension (driver’s side), noticeable only when taking off and turning the steering (either direction) or when driving at very slow speeds and turning. I have an inclined driveway and that is usually the place where I hear the noise. I have checked and re-greased as needed all of the front suspension components. I recently (2 months) also replaced the U joints on the driveshaft. First I thought I had a broken engine mount, but these are fine. How does it sound when a king pin goes bad??
By the way, I have had an on/off small leak from the steering gear, but I have never let the pump/lines go dry on me. What other things/items could I check to find the source of this noise (which I know I need to find and fix before something breaks on me; this is my daily driver). Thanks,
Raúl
Last edited by superbepro; Jul 5, 2005 at 02:58 PM. Reason: typos
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As Ecuri stated, a stethescope comes in very handy. If at all possible, put the rear end up on jack stands, start it and put it in gear. With things turning see if you can get it to make the noise without a load on it. You will need a second person for this so one of you can get the truck to make the noise and the other can search around and pinpoint it. My bet would be on the trac-loc, but bearings it could be as well. It could also be the manual transmission if you have one. Hold the shifter and see if you feel anything when it pops.