Ugh. I have seen so many posts about "Popping" and "Clunking".. But everything I look up only happens in motion. (Not when stopped...) So here is MY Popping problem. My Ram, (2000 Ram 1500 5.9l 4x4) Is making more of a "Thunk". When I turn the wheels, and sometimes when hitting a bump. One, single Thunk, usually in one direction, and then again after you go back the other way. ALL front axle U joints, ALL Ball joints, Wheel Hub assemblies, Steering Gearbox, and Track bar all brand new. I DO have both u joints at the Transfer case of the front drive shaft SHOT. Replacing tomorrow. I started the truck and had my 9 year old daughter crank the wheel while I was under it, and watched. Nothing. It still "Thunk"s, but there was nothing I could see hitting, or catching.. Tie rods look fine. I "Felt" the pop and it seem like its on both side, and more in the frame than any other part. I can feel it stronger (Get this) In the front bumper??? Sway Bar? That's all I can think of. My steering is PERFECT. After a 3 year death wobble fight, this truck now handles the road Immaculately! Not a pull, wobble, No vibration at all... I see other posts say Sway Bar.. Just wanted to verify since mine seems to pop sitting still. LOL

 

What size tires you running? Could be catching the bumper when you turn the wheel.

 

I didn't see it touch, but they are 265/75/16's.. Brand new too.. But I had the same size on before hand. I did watch them as they turned. The pop isn't when its fully cranked to the side, its actually probably closer to one single turn of the steering wheel, if that.

 

If it will do it sitting still, have someone crank the wheels back and forth enough to make the noise, and chase it down. I would start at the base of the steering column.

 

I tried that.. I couldn't figure it out though. Its in the front end, but when I am under it, It seems to be up in the motor, when I go up, it sounds like its under.. Sounds the same at both the driver and passenger side.. I can feel it strongest when my hand is on the bumper.. LOL

 

Well then. That certainly makes it fun.

Put your hand on the base of the column and see if you can feel anything there.

 

Haha. I'm tired of fun with this truck, although every repair makes it better, I guess.. I got under it yesterday and checked for loose bolts. I saw someone with a loose crossmember on here.. Yeah I don't have one. Couldn't find anything there either. Going to go down and pick up some Sway bar bushings anyway. Cheap so why not.. See if that kills it

 

Well, I pulled the sway bar completely off.. Still clunking, but only when I turn the wheels.. Not when I hit bumps. And not nearly as loud as before.. Its like some of the weight has been taken off of it. Ugh. I'm guessing its something loose. I still can't pin point this..

 

I have similar problem, but my popping noise is coming from the column. Turn your wheel and see if you can feel the pop in the gear shifter; assuming yours isn't a manual. If so it may be the spring on the steering column (just above joint in engine bay) that seems to be common on these trucks.

 

check the lower bolts on front shocks. if not torqued to 100+ pounds they'll CLUNK under the driver or passenger feet.