Front end noise

[Fox_24]

I posted in the introduction forum, but figured to get exposure this is a better place to find an answer.
I test drove a 97 f350 and the owner told me he thinks the bushings are worn out on the leaf springs up front. In about a 10 mile test drive i heard the noise once, over a rough patch of road its like a knocking/rattling/vibrating noise its hard to describe. I would imagine if the bushings were shot it would be more of a thud.

Very vague description i know but any insight to where to start looking?

[StoneGuy]

Mine rattles over bumps or hard hits but it's because my shocks are shot. It's not continuous and doesn't happen over wash boards, just when the shock has to decompress more than usual.
Regards,

Dwight

[Fox_24]

Thank you man, trying my hardest to get the cash together for this truck, just got my car back to stock since no one seems to want to buy modded cars

[StoneGuy]

Originally Posted by Fox_24

Thank you man, trying my hardest to get the cash together for this truck, just got my car back to stock since no one seems to want to buy modded cars

Not so fast there. One other thing to check is your springs. I just replaced my shocks and though it would get rid of the noise, sounds like someone is jumping on a box spring when going over a large bump. I replaced my shocks and I'll be damned if it isn't still making the noise. Next are springs, mine are looking rather sad and it's the only thing in a properly serviced front end that I know would make a noise like that. The new shocks helped but it's still irritating. Especially after I thought they would fix the noise. If your front end doesn't continue to bounce after going over a bump then your shocks are probably fine and you should supsect your springs. I'm going to replace mine this week with some soft rides.
Regards,

Dwight

[Fox_24]

Originally Posted by StoneGuy

Not so fast there. One other thing to check is your springs. I just replaced my shocks and though it would get rid of the noise, sounds like someone is jumping on a box spring when going over a large bump. I replaced my shocks and I'll be damned if it isn't still making the noise. Next are springs, mine are looking rather sad and it's the only thing in a properly serviced front end that I know would make a noise like that. The new shocks helped but it's still irritating. Especially after I thought they would fix the noise. If your front end doesn't continue to bounce after going over a bump then your shocks are probably fine and you should supsect your springs. I'm going to replace mine this week with some soft rides.
Regards,

Dwight

Well, i know im getting the truck, im selling my f150 and just parted my car. I just want to try to get an understanding of what im looking at here in the next couple of months after i pick it up

[StoneGuy]

a rattling and vibrating noise could be anything but if you only heard it once that makes it tougher to pin down. I very well could be the spring bushings as I think that's what is making the noise in my front end as well. Mine is more of a metalic spueeking noise. I think either one can be bushings but a clunk sound could be any number of things.
Regards,

Dwight

[Fox_24]

Okay guys little update. I Have put about 400 miles on my truck since I got it. I have only felt/heard the noise a couple times but today I felt it bad doing about 65, literally felt like my wheel was gonna fall off and like I was driving over rumble strips. Front driver side tire

[Simpleman87]

It could be a simple thing like weights on you rim could have been thrown off and need to be re balanced, is it like a thud under your floor board? I had that problem
And it was my bushings on my leaf springs.