Suspension troubles

[Docholiday72tx]

I have a SWB F100 with a 460, C6, and Ford 9" traction loc rear axle.
It's making a popping noise occasionaly going down the road that sounds just like when a radius arm bushing is shot.
My whole front end is new with high quality parts except for the radius arms, I beams, and spindels. I regreased everything and made sure it was all tight and nothing was broken or any thing like that. I pulled the drive shaft out, checked and regreased the U joints. I made sure all the bolt on stuff like the engine perches and crossmembers were tight. I also checked the motor mounts.
Any one have an idea of where to look next?
Doc

[FORDification]

When you you hear this noise? Does it just happen during bumps in the road or can it happen on smooth pavement too? Does it happen during acceleration, deceleration, coasting, or turning....or all the above?

[Docholiday72tx]

It happens at all different times and road conditions. It is very inconsistant.
Sometimes it will happen on acceleration and sometimes it won't. The noise happening at all different times is what's making it so hard to figure out. I've checked about everything I know of.
Doc

[Heavenlyfire]

This might sound stupid but might be worth a look. I have a broken fender mount on the bottom right in front of the door. It pops all the time. Just an idea.

[68F250]

Mine makes a POP if I make a sharp turn going into a driveway, only turning left though. Have never been able to find it, sounds like in the chassis. Thanks John, I'm gonna look over it a little more!

[Docholiday72tx]

John,
I'm gonna check that out, it doesn't sound stupid at all....like I said....everything as far as engine and suspension is in realy good shape....It has to be something small and out of the way like that.
Mike

[NM5K]

How bout the axle pivot bushings?
That could make a pop if they were shot.
I'd be eyeballing the pivot bushings. Even if new,
I guess it's possible for one to bind up. A radius
arm bushing can look good on the outside, and be
metal to metal on the inside..Probably same for a
pivot bushing. Shocks can make funky noises too
when they go bad. MK

[Docholiday72tx]

NM, I guess I'll have to pull the I beams back out and check the radius arm bushings and pivot bushings. They were both replaced last year when I rebuilt the front end...but who knows? I sure can't come up with a better idea.
Doc

[Jonathan Rickman]

Someone mentioned shocks. Sounds weird, but I agree. My little 2000 Ranger had a popping sound that was driving me absolutely crazy. I had checked everything twice and was tearing the front end apart to start throwing parts at it when I found the bad shock.

[Docholiday72tx]

Jonathan,
The front end doesn't bounce up and down on it. What would be a way to check to see if it is the shocks causing my noise?
My shocks are only about a year old...but I guess anythings possible.
Doc

[Jonathan Rickman]

Mine felt fine driving around normally, but after a little time on the road it would start making that muffled popping sound. It was muffled enough that I wasn't sure if I was feeling it or hearing it and it was totally inconsistent. I didn't take it apart to see what was wrong, but it had absolutely no rebound at all. Compression was pretty normal, but it would take a bit to rebound. Keep in mind that this isn't a twin I-Beam truck. They switched to arms in 98 or so. I've never had a bad front shock on an I-Beam truck, so I don't know what it feels like.