Odd Steering Noise

[Annapolis76EB]

So we added a drop pitman, drop track bar bracket and new steering linkage this weekend and now I am getting a "popping" noise when I turn. It seems to be at one spot in the turning radius and will do it when driving and idling (power steering) and with the vehicle off. The best I can determine it is coming from somewhere right where the steering shaft meets the steering box. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[TBS-POPS]

Check the trac bar bracket you just put on. have someone turn the wheel bask and forth so it makes the sound and watch the bracket to see if it is loose or working on the frame. check ALL the stuff you just put on.

 

[Annapolis76EB]

That was the first thing I tried, but it sounded like it was coming from the steering box/shaft intersection. After reading your post I went down and had the wife turn the wheel again but this time I felt for the noise. Sure enough, the track bar bracket is vibrating. Nothing a little extra welding won't cure I am sure. Thanks for the help.

 

[DirtDonk]

Yep, had to weld mine too. Most do. No matter how solid they look and feel when they're bolted on, there's enough leverage to make em move pretty good.

Paul

 

[Annapolis76EB]

You're definitely right. It is the Duff bracket with 1 mounting hole on the side and 2 on the rear (for 3 1/2 or 4 1/2). We mounted it up through the 3 1/2 hole and drilled the original bracket so we could run a bolt through the other hole as well. It seemed very solid, but apparently it does need a weld. We planned on welding it at that time until we discovered there was no gas in the bottle for the welder. Lesson learned.