I have the same issue. I have a great tech at the local dealer. He says it is the steering shaft and that they see it all the time.

 

This is what you need http://www.rocksolidramtrucksteering.com/

 

I was working on a truck a few days ago with a noise, I replaced the steering shaft and the noise was still there. I found out when someone else put new coils in the front they wasn't put in right and when you hit a bump they would make a noise. I'd check the placement of the coil springs that you just put in make sure they are seated correctly.

 

i just saw this thread and had to chime in. if you lift your 2wd with 3" springs, you need to cut your stock bump stop off, like off the frame. its the bottom of the bumpstop (metal part) hitting your spindles. trust me on this one, here is an article


http://www.sporttruck.com/techarticl...t_spindle.html

 

Make sure the top of your spindle isn't hitting your bump stop mount. My Ram developed the same problem after I installed a 2.5 inch spacer.

 

Anyone figure out what the clunking was contributed to yet?

 

could be the steering gear box. i replaced mine and it took the clunking noise down to about 50% and it made it drive better. but i think the other part is the steering shaft itself.

 

when does your clunking occur "townsley4" or when did it occur. Mine occurs occasionally when i turn a corner, or my truck has a weird suspension flex like coming out of an angled driveway. Its very weird and annoying i must add!!!

 

I had the same clunking noise after I changed the upper and lower ball joints.
The noise came from the front coil springs, you have to make sure that the spring is seated correctly, there's a small stop at the lower control arm where the spring must rest. turn the spring clockwise untill you feel that the spring hits the stopping point than it's oke.