Clunk when I turn?
 

My dad has a 83 K1500 Suburban, 10b/10b. When you turn fast whether driving or sitting it makes a soft clunk. Like when you are in 4wd and turn all the way the axles "pop". But its in 2wd and just being turned fast. Its stock suspension/steering and 31x10.5/R15 BFG A/T's. What do you guys think it is?

Re: Clunk when I turn?
 

Could be a locker and if so, probably not a big deal. Is it something new?

Re: Clunk when I turn?
 

The most likely cause is the axle joints in the front end. The get rusty and stiff. Even though the truck is in 2 wheel drive and the front axles are not turning, they still have to "bend" when you turn.

Re: Clunk when I turn?
 

Lol no. I could never get dad to buy a locker. Thanks though.

How do I fix it? New axle u-joints? WD/40? Are those u-joints greasable?

Re: Clunk when I turn?
 

Replacement is the only fix. The factory originals are not greaseable, but you can buy a version that is. <Spicer>

It is a fairly involved process. The entire knuckle needs to be stripped and getting the spindle off can be a challenge. After that changing the joint itself is not that much different than in a driveshaft. The main thing is that it has to be pressed out/in on both halves.

Re: Clunk when I turn?
 

I`d say f it`s in 2wd it would be in the steering.Prolly the draglink,pitman arrn @ sector shaft,or tie rod ends.Check for slop.

Re: Clunk when I turn?
 

would ball joints cause an issue?

Re: Clunk when I turn?
 

Yea that's what I was thinking as well. Or something else in the steering!

Re: Clunk when I turn?
 

Agreed!

I was chasing down a popping noise myself when turning. I was able to replicate the noise while stopped so I grabbed a friend to watch and determined the steering box became loose from the frame. Is your noise easily replicated so you can do the same?

If not, start by jacking up one front wheel off the ground and pushing/pulling at 12o'clock/6 o'clock and then again at 9oclock/3 o'clock.

Let us know what you find.

-Greg

Re: Clunk when I turn?
 

I dont know if it can be replicated. It is happening less now. It started last week while backing up a tiny trailer into a tiny spot, as some of you know, 8' trailers are hard to backup. Even the slightest steering change effects the direction of the trailer. I will try to replicate it. Thanks a bunch guys.

Re: Clunk when I turn?
 

Very possible that you could have broken the locating bolt in the driver leaf spring. I have done this before and the U-bolt plate would move a little bit until it bound up on the broken bolt. It sorta made a clunk sound until I found it. Otherwise is prolly a balljoint or your shimmy shock.