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Clunking and tinging noises while on dirt roads?

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by Azhntr87, Jun 28, 2025 at 9:49 AM.

  1. Jun 28, 2025 at 9:49 AM
    #1
    Azhntr87

    Azhntr87 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    May 13, 2025
    Member:
    #47049
    Messages:
    2
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    I have a 97 4runner that's pretty new to me. I've so far done CV axles, replaced all fluids, brake flush and bleed. Recently the last few times I've been out I've been hearing a clunk like a heavy metal to metal sound and a tinging almost like something is hitting driveshaft or a think metal part is loose. I've check everything under 4runner nothing is loose u joints are all tight with no slop. Could this be a shock or ball joint? Previous owner put LBJ in but I'm not sure when. How do I tell if LBJs are worn out?
     
  2. Jun 28, 2025 at 2:18 PM
    #2
    morfdq

    morfdq New Member

    Joined:
    May 25, 2022
    Member:
    #27196
    Messages:
    1,363
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Derek
    Vehicle:
    2022 SR5 Premium
    TRD Wheels, exhaust, Eibach, Cali Raised Skid Plate, Diode Dynamics fog, Sherpa Crestone rack.
    Jack up the drivers tire put your hands at the 3 and 9 position and push in and pull out. Then move your hands to the 12 and 6 position and do the same. If you feel movement in the wheel you then have a lbj problem or a wheel bearing. Repeat on passenger side if the instructions don’t make sense just YouTube how to tell if your lbj or wheel bearings are bad. Plenty of videos to show you about the 3 & 9 and 6 & 12 test.
     
    Azhntr87[OP] likes this.
  3. Jun 29, 2025 at 6:13 AM
    #3
    roboturner

    roboturner Dead Eyed

    Joined:
    Nov 4, 2022
    Member:
    #29416
    Messages:
    264
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    ‘98 NW 3.4L 5MT SR5 | '18 6MT DCSB Tacoma | '00 IJM 3.4L TRD Tacoma
    At this point most of the bushings are probably on their way out. You could start by inspecting and/or removing the sway bar and sway bar endlinks to see if that largely solves your problem
     
    Azhntr87[OP] likes this.

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