Clunking sounds

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Nov 6, 2006 | 08:10 AM

Hercmech

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From: Kodiak, AK

Clunking sounds

Just replaced my radius arm bushings which really took the slop out of my steering. Since I changed them, there is a clunk under my feet when the transmission shifts. I was thinking transmission or engine mount, but yesterday I hit a speed bump sideways and it clunked as the drivers wheel went over the bump. Sounds like I have a midget hitting my frame with a hammer under my feet. The truck never made noise before I changed the bushings. Any ideas?

1986 F-150 4x4

Nov 7, 2006 | 01:32 AM

cpettymore7777

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when you did the bushings did you torque to the spec? you can jack the truck up by the frame and then use a bottle jack to lower and lift the A arm to see if you can isolate the problem.

Nov 7, 2006 | 04:33 AM

viper1_2001

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From: Soldotna

I had this same problem, and I ignored it untill my tire relocated it self into my fender, all the bolts came out on the radius arm bracket

Nov 7, 2006 | 05:16 AM

Hercmech

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From: Kodiak, AK

Yes I did tighten to the spec on the radius arm. I was confused if the A arm should be jacked up or lowered, so I did both. Also, my bracket bolts are goodntight. Ball Joints?

Nov 7, 2006 | 05:35 AM

ol'reliable

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Don't overlook loose shocks as the rubber bushings at the top or bottom could be worn, as well, I once had to change the inner pivot on my I beams to eliminate a clunking noise..

Nov 7, 2006 | 08:11 AM

Hercmech

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From: Kodiak, AK

I guess I should have said, I changed the 2 front shocks at the same time as the radius bushings.

Dec 11, 2006 | 12:30 PM

Hercmech

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From: Kodiak, AK

I've gone over everything I can think of and I must have installed the radius arm bushings incorrectly. There are 2 bushings per arm. I have the big one forward with the tapper facing forward. The smaller one is aft with its tapper aft. Washers on both ends. is this correct? It looks sloppy like something is missing. Any thoughts?
Thanks

Last edited by Hercmech; Dec 11, 2006 at 01:21 PM.