Front end - what to check first? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Southpa · 10-22-2003, 04:13 PM

Just recently I've been getting some vibration and the occasional small "clunk" coming thru the floor, left side when braking. Otherwise the truck still rides fine, no pulling to one side when applying brakes, no weaving or wobbling in the steering. I haven't checked anything out quite yet, waiting for the weather to smarten up.

I'd just like some ideas on where I might start looking. A little history, 3 yrs ago I swapped the entire front end for a disc equipped 71 front end. After installation I took it to my friend's shop for alignment. They DID say I could expect the need to replace a few ball joints in a few years. But the symptoms I'm experiencing don't seem to be ball-joint related. Oh well, I'll find out when I jack it up and pull the wheels. Its a drag because this crap seems to only happen when money is tight. Hopefully it will be something simple like a loose caliper,

.

dubie · 10-22-2003, 04:15 PM

Sounds like the same problem I have to fix on my 72 Al. I need to do my lower balljoints. It has the same kind of vibration and that same CLUNK . but who knows?? you might have an easy fix

tom hand · 10-22-2003, 04:33 PM

If it is clunking, ball joints or a-arm bushings will be the most likely cuprit

Southpa · 10-22-2003, 06:04 PM

ok, I went out , in the rain, and got my neighbor to rock the top of the wheel back and forth while I had a look. Definitely, upper ball joint on driver's side. A few more questions, Can I just replace that balljoint for the time being? when I replace the offending unit will I need to take the truck in for front end alignment? Like I said , money is tight. The cheapest single upper I could find costs $96.54 Cdn (Moog). Another distributor quoted me $153 for the same unit! How can they range so much? I sure can't afford a full set right now.

blazerholic · 10-22-2003, 09:11 PM

I've replaced just one before for the same no $ reasons without any issues, but you can bet that if one is spent, the rest will probably be following close behind.

crazy longhorn · 10-22-2003, 09:35 PM

OUCH! Those prices are

As far as swapping without realignment, as long as the b joints were in decent shape at the time of the last alignment, you should be able to bolt the upper joint in & run with it. good luck,crazyL

10-22-2003, 04:13 PM	#1
Southpa Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Victoria, BC, Canada Posts: 2,409	Front end - what to check first? Just recently I've been getting some vibration and the occasional small "clunk" coming thru the floor, left side when braking. Otherwise the truck still rides fine, no pulling to one side when applying brakes, no weaving or wobbling in the steering. I haven't checked anything out quite yet, waiting for the weather to smarten up. I'd just like some ideas on where I might start looking. A little history, 3 yrs ago I swapped the entire front end for a disc equipped 71 front end. After installation I took it to my friend's shop for alignment. They DID say I could expect the need to replace a few ball joints in a few years. But the symptoms I'm experiencing don't seem to be ball-joint related. Oh well, I'll find out when I jack it up and pull the wheels. Its a drag because this crap seems to only happen when money is tight. Hopefully it will be something simple like a loose caliper, . __________________ 1970 GMC 1500 Custom Original 350/TH350 Victoria, BC, Canada You can wish in one hand and crap in the other. See which one gets filled first.

10-22-2003, 04:15 PM	#2
dubie Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 8,853	Sounds like the same problem I have to fix on my 72 Al. I need to do my lower balljoints. It has the same kind of vibration and that same CLUNK . but who knows?? you might have an easy fix __________________ My name's Tim and I'm a truckaholic My 56 Chevy shop truck build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=562795

10-22-2003, 04:33 PM	#3
tom hand CCRider Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Olive Branch,MS,USA Posts: 2,232	If it is clunking, ball joints or a-arm bushings will be the most likely cuprit __________________ 72 GMC Sierra SWB almost finished---- 84 Softail Olive Branch MS

10-22-2003, 06:04 PM	#4
Southpa Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Victoria, BC, Canada Posts: 2,409	ok, I went out , in the rain, and got my neighbor to rock the top of the wheel back and forth while I had a look. Definitely, upper ball joint on driver's side. A few more questions, Can I just replace that balljoint for the time being? when I replace the offending unit will I need to take the truck in for front end alignment? Like I said , money is tight. The cheapest single upper I could find costs $96.54 Cdn (Moog). Another distributor quoted me $153 for the same unit! How can they range so much? I sure can't afford a full set right now. __________________ 1970 GMC 1500 Custom Original 350/TH350 Victoria, BC, Canada You can wish in one hand and crap in the other. See which one gets filled first.

10-22-2003, 09:11 PM	#5
blazerholic I am a Gov't Mule Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Latonia,Ky Posts: 276	I've replaced just one before for the same no $ reasons without any issues, but you can bet that if one is spent, the rest will probably be following close behind. __________________ ...to die in the saddle must be my destiny, to ride this rockin' horse I must be crazy...

10-22-2003, 09:35 PM	#6
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	OUCH! Those prices are As far as swapping without realignment, as long as the b joints were in decent shape at the time of the last alignment, you should be able to bolt the upper joint in & run with it. good luck,crazyL __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....



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