Popping when turning

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Nov 1, 2005 | 12:00 PM

dlj31

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Joined: Feb 2004

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From: Rosedale

Popping when turning

I have a 04, F250, FX4, CC with a 3.5" spring hanger kit on it and 305's. I have about 40,000 miles on it and have noticed a popping comming from the front end while I am turning the wheel, like when I am parking and such. I have had a buddy turn the wheel back and forth while I tried to SEE the problem but I cant pinpoint it. It almost sounds like you put a handfull of rocks in the steering box but here again, I cant tell. Anybody else have this problem?

Nov 1, 2005 | 12:08 PM

dmp437

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Joined: Jun 2005

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This happens when the truck is moving? Does the truck lurch or jump when you have the popping noise?

Nov 1, 2005 | 12:16 PM

dlj31

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Joined: Feb 2004

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From: Rosedale

No lurching or jumping, I am pretty sure it has to do with the steering, It sounds like its comming from the drivers side front end. Im leaning twards a balljoint problem but its a 2004 with only 40,000 miles on it.

Nov 1, 2005 | 12:23 PM

dmp437

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Joined: Jun 2005

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V10 or PSD? PSD's (because of the extrta weight) go through ball joints quicker. My right is getting loose at 75k, my last truck I changed them at 65k, both gassers. Check E-Bay for Moog joints. I've seen the new design lowers for $40, way cheaper than the parts stores around here.

Nov 1, 2005 | 01:04 PM

Mustang42

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Joined: Apr 2003

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From: Reno, NV

I agree with dmp because my 01 went through many sets of ball joints. Having it lifted with bigger tires didn't help my cause either.

Nov 1, 2005 | 05:27 PM

etcetera

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Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 475

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From: La Habra, CA

If you check the lower mounting bolt on the sway bar link, you'll probably see it's worn on the outside where it's catching on the leaf spring. There will probably be some marks on the leaf spring as well.

I have the same lift, and same problem. I'm starting with a dropped track bar bracket and pitman arm, both of which should have been included in the kit. Dropped sway bar links will probably be needed to actually get rid of the noise.

I replaced the sway bar bushings and it went away for a day or 2, but came back. I think the brand new bushings hold the bar from moving side to side, but as they break in it slides again and catches on the spring.

Eric

Nov 1, 2005 | 09:02 PM

dlj31

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 87

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From: Rosedale

When I bought the lift, they installed a adjustable track bar and removed a massive beam of some type ( Im guessing the Non-Adjustable track bar? ). Im pretty sure that nothing was done to the pitman arm and now that you mention that, it looks to me to be at a very sharp angle, so you are probaly right. I will check and let you know. I also installed a fabtech steering stabilizer and it fits so tight that it continues to eat the boot up. Can I roll the bracket a little to keep this from happening or will it mess something up?