"Clunk" up front

[Highlander]

Nothing too serious, but over the last couple of outings, I've heard an occassional clunk from the front drivers side suspension. Fine on good roads, does not appear to be related to steering input, but rather suspension travel. Quick visual check shows creamed bushings on both driver and passenger side sway bar to frame(?) mounts. Everything else "appears" fine (crusty, dirty, etc.)

Where should I begin troubleshooting? Should I just start yanking on underpinnings by hand to see what may be loose or not? Truck is '87 J20 with 56k original miles. To my knowledge, neglectant DSPO never modified any suspension components (original shocks, etc.) Any good links for complete suspension/bushing kits (will upgrade to poly).

Thanks in advance all.

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Highlander1732
'87 J20
MSD Ignition

[joe]

I'd start with the obvious "creamed bushings" you found on the sway bar. At 56,000 orig miles the rest of your suspension should be like new except for any rubber bushings etc. Since you still have the original shocks I'd say they toast after 56,000 miles, might wanna change'm.

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Regards,
-joe
63 2-dr Wag, 73 J-4000, 82 CJ-8

[BufordJeep]

I have a similar problem with my '91GW. My "clunk" in the front happens when I change directions quickly. Either way, it sounds like a cushioned metal sound. My mileage is 58K, and everything is stock. A FSJ expert at the local dealership suggested that my problem may be the front leaf springs having a little play in them. He didn't drive my wagon, but thought I should look at that first. My problem can be felt when the weight of the wagon changes, like turning out of a driveway while rolling fast. Any suggestions?

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[401chief]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by BufordJeep:
I have a similar problem with my '91GW. My "clunk" in the front happens when I change directions quickly. Either way, it sounds like a cushioned metal sound. My mileage is 58K, and everything is stock. A FSJ expert at the local dealership suggested that my problem may be the front leaf springs having a little play in them. He didn't drive my wagon, but thought I should look at that first. My problem can be felt when the weight of the wagon changes, like turning out of a driveway while rolling fast. Any suggestions?

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
ive had that same clunk in mine for at least 20 years and no one has ever been able to find it

[RudyC]

Have you ever driven with the tranny access cover off. Thats how I found that my drag link was bad. WOW you could see the whole suspension flex like crazy, pretty interesting Leaf springs go one way, axle the other http://www.ifsja.org/ubb/biggrin.gif .

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79 WAGONEER (SOLD IT, BUT WILL FIND A LESS RUSTY ONE LATER)
79 DODGE, MY LIL RED TRUCK. 318, 4BBL HOLLEY,TF727. SUPER FAST

[fsj401]

yeah, that trannie acess cover being removed made for a great trash can amongst other things during the high school years.

Jeff

[RudyC]

Drop a beer oh err SODA bottle down there and it just showers the guy behild you with grass. ERR or so I hear http://www.ifsja.org/ubb/biggrin.gif

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79 WAGONEER (SOLD IT, BUT WILL FIND A LESS RUSTY ONE LATER)
79 DODGE, MY LIL RED TRUCK. 318, 4BBL HOLLEY,TF727. SUPER FAST

[fsj401]

"no officer, I did not throw anything out of my car, I think i drove over that back of trash from taco bell, I would never litter, that is wrong!"