Pothole suspesion problems

[T-Bone]

Hello,

I am fairly new to the forum and trying to get my new 84 d50 TD up to speed. Something seems to be loose on the front right end of the truck. When I drive on a gravel road with bumps and potholes I can hear a loud knocking coming from there. Never hear it though on pavement. Any help to point me in the right direction is much appreciated.

[pennyman1]

Ch eck your strut rod bushings and lower conrtol arm bushings for a start - either could make that noise. Also sway bar end link or center bushing.

[austin]

You might also check your shocks as well, they can make a knocking noise when they start going out.

[T-Bone]

alright thanks for the information. Good site, small and not a lot of people on it.

[T-Bone]

Alright, so I took the truck into a local tire/suspension shop. They said that I need a new upper control arm shaft/ bushing kit. When they had it off the ground the tire and wheel could be easily moved left to right good 1/2 inch of play. Has anyone put these in before? I am thinking of trying to do it myself. Thanks for any help

[pennyman1]

Yes they are easy to change. Just unscrew the end caps, pull the shaft and reassemble in reverse order. Be sure to count the revolutions on each nut as you remove it, so the alignment is close to what it was when you started.

[T-Bone]

Thanks, appreciate the help.

[T-Bone]

Pulled the tire off and found out from inspection that it was the Idler arm. Replaced bushings and all runs well.