noticing a thumping noise when i turn the steering wheel lately.. Took it to a guy to get an opinion and he says that the rack is on its way out... I was looking into stifining up the suspension all around so first my ? to you guys is this... has any one else experianced something similar when they turn the wheel? And what can i do to tighten up the suspension on this thing. It is a 2 wheel drive so i was thinking i'd have more options, just not sure which way to go or what products are gonna be my biggest bang for my buck..

 

does the thumping happen during both idle and driving? i haven't had this problem, this is my first rack and steering vehicle. But if it is loosening maybe check the steering coupling and/or the rack mounting, i think those are the parts. Also im not sure but maybe greasing is necessary somewhere. Also maybe check the ball joints and tie rods just in case it isn't the rack(im not sure those parts would thump though)

-For stiffening first thing is replace struts and shocks with rancho/monroe if you haven't already. someone else will chime in for more, hope it gets resolved soon

 

Check that coupler under the dash. I've had to tighten mine twice and it's starting to make noise again.

 

ya it happens duering idle as well. i was just out in my truck and noticed it is really noticible when the truck is off. just turning the wheel a couple inches either way makes it click pretty loud.... but ill check what you said. ya its my first rack vehicle ive encountered a problem with so im scratching my head...

 

and is the gas shock gonna be my best bet?

 

downloaded the service manual. that is worth its weight. 5200 pages!!! but i see the coupler you were talking about and im gonna go check it out in a minute.. thanks again

 

I've started to notice a slight "pop" every now and then when it seems like the truck begins to lean going into a turn, or if I pull the wheel sharply (at least going slow, wouldn't try it going fast unless I had to). Everything at the front wheels is tight, no play at the ball joints, tie rods, or sway bar links (replaced them with Moogs not too long ago), can't feel any bearing play with the wheels on, and no leaks from anywhere in the system. Steering shaft u-joints feel tight, and the steering itself is smooth from stop to stop with no play in the wheel. I can feel the pop through the steering wheel and hear it, but I'm not sure if it's coming from the passenger side or the engine side of the firewall, or even if it's coming from the steering shaft.

For those who fixed their problem by tightening the coupler, did these symptoms match yours? I noticed in the service manual there's also a second coupling bolt just outside the firewall, and a third one down by the rack. Any other ideas?