Front end sounds and issues
 

I have a couple of new noises and was hoping for some diagnosis help. First, I had a crazy death bounce the other day. I think I just hit a fairly big bump at just the right angle, but the whole front end started a side to side bounce (like it was bagged in Compton :D) and it made me hit the brakes fast. Once it slowed down it it leveled out and I started to pull over. It was fine then and hasn't happened since. Must be a fluke.

The next thing is a popping noise when turning hard in a parking lot. It feels like it is right under my foot and you feel it as much as hear it. I know my drag link is going bad and I have a good bit of play in my bushings around my sway bar. Any idea where to look? And how is best to test it?

Finally, there are a ton of part numbers in the Rock Auto system for front end. Does anyone have a good diagram of 96 CCLB 4x4 that would help me figure out what I need to order?

Thanks - I don't think it is anything dangerous, but want to get it tightened up soon.

For the death wobble check the track bar

For the popping noise check the fender bolts up top. Especially when turning left over uneven services. Tighten those suckers up ...

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ctureid=126450

Can't help you on the other issue though.

I was wondering about your shocks.

^^ yes check thease too! Every few months I tightened mine. I thoughts truck was going to come apart one day as it would make a noise I couldn't quite identify, it was my fender bolts.

Death Wobble could be Wheel Bearings
 

Very similar problem. Rarely, under right conditions, good bump at medium speed, often in mild turn, has front end- and steering wheel- violently shaking. Brake and slow down, and it stops.

Mine turned out to be loose front wheel bearing. Once saw a pickup go into death wobble on the highway; one front wheel was cocked and wobbling. Seems like the loose bearing lets the whole wheel get off axis, like if you put a bunch of shims behind one of the lug bolts. Slowing down and clamping the wobbling rotor with the brakes seems to let the wheel re-align... until it happens again.

But I've also seen folks suggest track bar, ball joints, and steering linkages.

Sounds like time to chock the truck well, crawl underneath, start yanking, and see what's loose. But you may need to jack a wheel to check ball joints and bearings.

Checked last night and my panhard bracket was totally loose. Iguess i should go back and check all bolts after doig the lift. Definitely need locktite on those panhard bolts. They were finger loose! Ran 250 hwy miles last night. No more pops either, but i need to check it all out.