87 burban

[blazedealh91]

so i just got this thing for cammping and not going so well it a 1987 suburban 1/2 ton new drag link joints wheel bearings
i am geting a loud clunking noise after 35 i have taken out the front drive shaft the joint are toaste i can figure out what it is it seems to help if i drive 2 footed and hold the brakes a little as i gain speed
what could it be driveing me nuts need this thing in a week
i replace the wheel bearing but there is still a small amount of play in the drivers front wheel i get the play in the top (push on top pull the bottem )

 

[sniperthx1]

The up and down movement is ball joints. Doesn't matter which one, as I would suggest replacing both at once.

As to the clunk, where does it seem to be coming from?

Does it do it only on acceleration?

 

[blazedealh91]

oonly get the clunk when going over 35 seems to be comeing from the drivers front could a warped rotor make it do this

 

[sniperthx1]

A warped rotor wouldn't do that in my experience.

Not sure about the clunk.

 

[ccarley]

The front driveshaft should not clunk or clatter while on the road; in 2wd at least. Unless the hubs are having issues themselves.

It's quite possible that the hubs are toast too, especially if they are the stock auto locking hubs. Mine were bad, and although quiet on the street in 2wd, they sounded terrible off road at any moving speed in 4wd. Replaced them with some Warn Premiums and no more sound. Also with the auto hubs, they didn't unlock once... and my front driveshaft lost some bolts where it attaches to the transfer case, causing terrible vibes. I was able to finally get them to unlock... no more vibes, and thankfully there were still 2 bolts holding my driveshaft on, and the other two were caught by the transfer case skid. Some locktite & help from my buddy (shifting in & out of 4wd to spin / no spin the shaft) and it's solid now.

It's hard to diagnose noises that only happen at speed though. Good luck!
Clay