a few weeks ago I was driving the truck on the freeway at about 70 and it started making a loud rattle/clanking noise like something was very loose. I literally thought the front, drivers tire was gonna fall off. I pulled over and eyeballed everything but couldn't notice too much as it was night time but I pulled into a gas station for light. I got back in and started driving and it came back, I pulled over four times but could not see anything obvious. I have driven the truck multiple times since that night and cannot get it to make the noise. I van feel a slight clunk/bang/rattle in the steering wheel and on the brake pedal while driving but no noise. I pulled the front tires off and tugged on everything and nothing seems loose and there is no movement. I did notice the first night although the rattling seemed to come from the front drivers tire area I could hear a slight noise that seemed to come from the dash or firewall area. I am thinking of replacing the intermediate steering shaft and all related parts due to their reputation of failing. Anyone have any inside as to the best replacement brand is the best and while I'm there what else should be replaced as a preventative measure. Am I even going in the right direction with this? could it be something else?

 

Check if anything that is not supposed to is touching the firewall. I had a fuel line come loose and touch the firewall, I was sure that I was hearing a wrist pin knock or broken piston. The firewall amplifies any vibration into noise.

 

will do. Thanks!!!

 

If you never replaced the intermediate steering shaft, it would be a good idea. Dorman makes a good beefed up replacement.

 

Check the sway bar bushings. Sometimes it is hard to tell visually that they have failed but a sway bar can bang around and make a hell of a ruckus