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2nd Gen Ram Tech1994-2001 Rams: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 1994 through 2001 Rams. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.
I have been chasing this noise for awhile. It started as a light rattle. I torqued down all the shock mount bolts and the rattle is gone. Now I have a sort of Pop noise when turning. I have checked the ball joints they don't seem to have any play. all the tie rod ends have been replaced as well as the shocks. Any ideas where I should look would be greatly appreciated.
open the hood, grab ahold of the steering shaft where the jointed shaft hits the steering column. Give it a shake. If it is sloppy, there is a fix for that. (and is generaly the cause of what you are describing. )
What about the steering column itself? It isn't rotational play you are looking for here, it is just general slop in the bushing at the base of the column.
Have you jacked up the front of the truck and tried to shake each tire, if it is any of the ball joints, the tie rod ends or either arms you should be able to hear it or notice the play
the control arm bushings could be worn, creating a little play in the arms themselves...if you had 4wd, then i would say there could be binding going on inside the front differential, but that's not the case here...also, examine the pitman arm and make sure that is torqued to the bottom of the gear box