"Clunk" from front end

I get a fairly loud clunk from the front end, likely suspension. Mosty, when I am backing out of my driveway, wheels turned, and I hit the spot at the end of the drive where it drops an inch to the road. Get the same noise turning into the driveway, or other drive where the road and parking lot have a rise or drop. Probably hear it on speed bumps also.

Mine is 74 w/302. All origninal suspension geometry, but a couple new ball-joints, etc. Under the car, all the joints and components seem tight, no play, but I have that play in the powersteering valve, that I think is normal (I have a rebuilt on there, and it has play from new out of box).

Is this maybet the power steering valve bouncing up and down?

Would converting to manual steering clear this up?

Any other suggestions?

 

Check your sway bar end links.

 

Although it could be one of any number of things, it sounds to me like worn-out strut rod bushings. You can get them from NAPA for about $40.00. They're not too difficult to install. You'll need a 1-inch deep socket, and you might need a breaker-bar for the bolts on the lower control arms.

It could also be something as simple as worn-out upper shock bushings, which can be cured by a pair of new front shocks...

 

I can't see why you would need power steering in one of these cars unless you got some monster heavy engine in it. My dad's steered easily with a 302 and this 74' we just bought steers very easily also.

 

The manual steering boxes are easy because they are a slow ratio. If you want the quickness of the power steering box (recomended), then power steering makes it a lot easier...

 

check the bushings in the spring perch.

 

I have been looking at the power-to-manual conversion for a while. My power steering system is stock, and the hoses are really soft. I would like to free up some space under the hood anyway, and I hear you have to mess with the power steering a bit to get headers on. So, I would just as well simplify the entire mess and scrap the power system.

AS for checking sway bar end links, is this a "grab and yank" kind of check, like with ball joints, or is there more involved? Ditto for strut check?

As an aside, The steering is VERY Tight, except for that 1/2" play at the power steering valve. Another reason why I want manual. It drives me nuts to have to constantly correct that 1/2" play when driving. Keeping a straight line with the rear tires breaking loose is difficult enough, without having to mess with allignment/steering issues on top of it. Would either of the two suggestions loosen up the steering, or are they more with suspension?

 

the bushings in the spring perch,would not be a grab and yank, they will be under constant pressure from the springs

 

They endlinks can be checked simply by looking at them.

Manual steering has the same 1/2" of play as power steering...

 

Is there any way to lose that 1/2" play? Convert to rack and pinion? Other less expensive ways?

 

I don`t know , but I`m sure there is some way to fix it with duck tape !

 

We've Had Alot Of Mav's Over The Years & Most Common Noise We Have Is From The Idler Arm, Like The Guy's Said"grab & Yank"