Bought a 98 explorer 2 weeks ago, Its a 98 limited 4x4 4L 210,000km and itpassedthe safety without to much trouble. Mechanic said theball joints were great and everything looked really clean. This week it developed a clunk/knock that I can feel through the floorboards, which I am guessing is the torsion bar problemwithfords?What does the front of the torsion bar look like? Is there a bushing there or a hexagonal cut like the rear of the bar?

Also,I was looking around underneath and noticed the bushing is worn for the backet that holds the front dif.The exploded view of the dana35 shows 3 bushings,but i'm wondering if there are other wear-prone parts that I should be changing, front or rear of the driveline?

thanks

 

Does that Explorer have radius arm bushings? If so that is probably the problem.

 

Nope, independent front ends

 

Check for a broken stabilizer linkor worn/missing stabilizer bushings.

 

Will do - thanks for the reply

 

with the kinda of milage you have replace all bushings. If you want good bushings look into your local speed shop or 4 wheel drive shop and get polyurethane bushings they are tuffer and last longer

 

OEM's use rubber bushings because they are cheaper and will not squeak like polyurethane bushing will. New rubber bushingsprovide a more factory like ride. These bushings do not need to be lubricated, but will not provide you with that "tight" suspension feel.
Polyurethane bushings are designed for a performance like ride and longer life. Polyurethane may squeak if not properly lubricated. You should use a lubricate will not wash away when installing them. Once the lubricate is washed out or contaminated from road grime the lubricate will no longer be effective. You will need to re-lubricate.