Cracking or snapping sounds from front suspension (88FJ62)

[88Retired62]

I just started hearing “snapping” or “cracking” type sounds coming from the front suspension when making slow, full, sharp, low speed turns…think parking lot maneuvering! I’ve assessed a myriad of issues that could be occurring but before I begin a process of elimination I’d like to ask if anyone has experienced this phenomenon and the ensuing action accomplished to correct the issue.

 

[OSS]

My experience with that is the leaves in the pack are shifting.
To rule out if that is the issue or not, fully saturate them with a hose & sprayer nozzle then try the steering test again. If the sound changes — you found the culprit.

If that’s what’s going on, it isn’t significant or a safety hazard. Just annoying

 

[John Smith]

Broken birfield can do that.

 

[micruz60]

Springs shifting as OSS mentions, also could be worn bushings in the shackle pins.