Hello everyone,

before I get into my 2 issues, you need to know the backstory of this dodge due to major events which coincide with the issues that are marinating within it currently...

My 'baby' is a 2000 1500 laramie 2wd which is knocking on 200,000 miles door. I am the second original owner, and this truck was abused and neglected by its only other owner for the 20years he had it until my husband bought it for what he thought was going to be a 'quick flip' (hes a certified diesel mechanic). Needless to say, my husband and dad replaced every freeze plug (a first for both of them, and a sight to see), basically we replaced just about everything under the hood, and since I fell in love with it, made cosmetic enhancements and customized it. 1 year later, we replaced the ENTIRE front end due to the front driver wheel coming off when my hsnand was driving home from not having the right lug nuts for the spacers we had for the wheels and tires that were a gift from a friend that was told were for dodge, but they were chevy s10 wheels.

Now, fast foward to the present time:
ISSUE 1
there has been this 'popping' noise coming from the front end when your turning both left and right, for just a little less then a year but has gotten worse recently. I already read an article on Dodge Forum that it can be as simple as adding power steering fluid, which may be the case, I dont ever rememeber adding any in 3 years. There is more play then usual but everything suspension wise is new and tight according to my husband.

ISSUE 2
also about a year ago, my AC stopped working. i start my truck one day and it immediately was idling at 2000rpm, as if it was in gear, it was in park. It freaked me out that I shut it off cause, I didnt know if it was going to come alive and bite someone, what do I know, right? Well, this very high idle comes and goes as it pleases, it will happen for like a day or 2, disappear for months, then randomly come back. VACUUM LINES?! good possibilty considering we know they were fixed sloppy by a guy my husband worked with last year...

my husband is so busy with work now, and my father is in his 80's and his hands dont work like they used to...
I NEED ADVICE FELLOW DODGE LOVERS! HELP ME SAVE MY 'BABY'!

 

Popping while turning is usually ball joints, or control arm bushings. If it will make the noise sitting still, have someone crawl under and listen/feel for the pop, while someone else is turning the wheel.

For the high idle, start with cleaning the throttle body. The IAC bore on the back likes to get caked with 'goop' (yes, that's a technical term. ) and it can restrict the pintle on the IAC of moving properly. Disconnect the battery, pull the throttle body, THOROUGHLY clean it, reinstall, (new gasket please, they were like 2 bucks last time I checked....) hook the battery back up, turn ignition to "on" (not start), count to ten, (don't touch anything) then start the truck. It should figure out idle pretty quick. While the throttle body is off, have a look at the inside of the intake, if you see oil pooling in there, the plenum gasket is blown, and needs replaced. Checking all the vacuum lines, especially the line to the brake booster, is a good plan as well.

Welcome to DF!

 

Thanks for the advice! I will try what you recommended, and will post what the final outcome is..