I have done everything possible (at least from what I have read and heard so far>) and I cannot figure out what is making this clunking sound when I go over bumps, potholes etc.
I have checked and replaced everything except the UCA and LCA bushings. The cam bolts move fine so I don't think its the LCA's. The driver side is where the noise is so it is at least isolated. I put a pry bar in the UCA and the frame near the bushing and there is no movement. The rubber around the UCA bushing sleeve is cracked, but THERE IS NO MOVEMENT. I cant figure it out.
Any ideas on this would be great. I don't want tear the UCA's out if I don't have to.

 

how are the frame-to-cab bushings?

 

How are your wheel bearings?

 

I looked at the bump stops and the frame to cab bushings and they look intact. They are there and they have not deteriorated nor are they loose. Is there any other sign that would indicate they are bad???

 

I haven't read anywhere the wheel bearings produce this kind of clunking sound over bumps. Not that they don't, I just haven't heard it or read it.
Could it be the wheel bearings???

 

imagine you are the wheel and you hit a bump. what could possibly move because of it?

1) free play between the rim and hub
2) free play in the wheel bearings
3) loose tie rod end link (inner or outer)
4) loose lower ball joint
5) loose upper ball joint
6) worn shock absorber bushings (upper or lower)
7) worn sway bar end link upper or lower bushing (either side)
8) worn sway bar chassis bushing (either side)
9) loose steering box
10) loose drag link (idler arm) (or joint)
11) worn lower control arm bushing(s)
12) worn upper control arm bushing(s)
13) frame moves up but cab doesn't (frame/cab bushing)

anyone want to add?

 

It would probably sound derogatory if I hadn't checked and or replaced 10 out of the 12 things on that list.
As for the 2 things on that list I have not checked, I will do that this weekend.
That helps quite a bit
thank you for that.

 

I'm assuming he already did this but...greasing the steering stops so they don't make that noise? of course if your truck is making that noise with the wheel straight it isn't the steering stops.

 

I started out in one direction, then changed / edited my post, so hopefully none of it was derogatory when I was finished.
I know you're working hard on fixing this problem and I don't want you to become too frustrated.

 

The most absurd part of this front end nightmare is I am getting close to doing a solid axle swap.
Oh well

 

I used to have a horrible clank from the front end. Turns out my wheel bearings were bad... so bad I couldnt rebuild them. Got new ones, and I rebuilt my idler arm. All clanking is gone...

 

Yes, the wheel bearings are on the list for this rainy ass weekend. Anyone got a good link to a cheap but good set for both sides???

 

anyone??

 

hmmmmmmm my 86 is doing that and i think its the ball joints i had every thing already replace on the front end except for the ball joints got a total choas idler arm i love it