Hello all,
I recently acquired a 1980 Toyota Pickup 4x4, its been a great truck so far. Its got a few gremlins, such as some bubbling paint and a bunch of leaks under the truck. Ill attach a photo of the truck below, only decent one I have is a bit low quality, sorry about that. Over my time of driving it, I have noticed something. When turning the steering wheel from dead center to all the way right/left, about 4-5 clicks are heard as the wheels turn. Also, these clicks can be heard when off roading while the suspension flexes. Clicks don't appear to be dependent on whether its in 4wd/2wd, or if the hubs are locked or not. Could this just be worn steering/suspension components? I've tried searching around the forum and haven't found much on this issue. Maybe I'm just not great at searching.

 

Worn suspension components are most likely. Hard to say exactly what without crawling under there & giving it all a good inspection. If it were mine & I planed on keeping the truck for any extended period of time, I'd just plan & do a full refresh of the front suspension, especially with it being a 4x4.

 

Yes, hard to diagnose without actually hearing what you're talking about. Check out all the suspension and steering. Generally the front ends are pretty bullet proof but if the PO hasn't maintained things the drag link can get worn. That's the rod between the steering box and drivers side steering knuckle but if the steering isn't loose probably not. Suspension bushings can get worn as can the hanger pins and shackle pins. Maybe a broken leaf, buts that's not common, more so in the rear.Check for loose U bolts...Toyota says between 70-90ft/lbs but you will not get the drivers side to 90 before bending the lower spring mount plate. Speaking of that, and I see the picture is pretty bad but it doesn't look like there is one...maybe a better pic? Its been lifted so I hope the guy who did it knew a thing or two.

Leaf springs can get pretty creaky so it may be just normal sounds. My 83 has made creaks and clunks from the front end especially in lock to lock turns since brand new. These old trucks don't have the plastic shims between the leaves ( I cant recall the million dollar name for them) that the new trucks do. Try spraying some lube between the front leaves and see if it quiets down. WD40,. Rust Check, one of the thinner products. Don't use a thicker one or over do it because dirt will then stick to them.

These trucks are pretty simple, a lot of old school stuff and "newbies" to them can hit the panic button and throw thousands at fixing a problem that isn't one.

And...sometimes searching on this forum does get a lot of dead ends and/or tangents off into the wild...best to ask directly.