Hello, all! I have a 1996 F150 4x2 and have a wicked rattle only when I hit deep bumps. I have replaced all ball joints and tie rod ends thinking for sure that was the culprit but surely enough that bastard is still there. I am starting to think it might be my steering rack. It plays a little if I shake it and I didn't know if that was normal or if it could be anything else?

 

Figured out that it's not what I though but possibly my radius arm bushings. Anybody have experience with replacing these?

 

Just to be clear, our generation of trucks don't have steering racks, just steering boxes and inner-outer tie rods.

Replacing the bushing isn't too difficult to do if you have the right tools. For one you will have to either grind, drill, torch or air hammer the rivets that hold the bracket to the frame. Then you will probably need some heat and a strong impact or long breaker bar to loosen the nut on the end of the radius arm.

Once that is off you can insert your new washer and bushing into place and use grd 8 bolts to bolt up the bracket to the frame. Then spin back on the large nut onto the radius arm back to its original position and you are done.

Also be sure to check your inner tie rod and drag link

 

Yeah this post was when I got false information on what the problem was. I replaced all ball joints, tie rod ends and drag link. But still have a wicked clunk/rattle when hitting bumps and my last two guesses are radius arm bushing and I-beam axle pivot bushings. Also, my truck is a 2wd and I am getting a popping noise toward the rear. Any idea on what that might be?

 

That's the hards way possible!