Introduction/Front Suspension Question

[mttrip]

Hello!

My name is Bodhi and I am currently a college student at University of Montana in Missoula. I have a 2002 100 series that my dad bought in 2008 with 25k miles on it (a little over 180k now). I took it over in 2019 and have done pretty much all of the repairs myself since then, including: radiator, heater Ts, trans flush w/filter replace, inner and outer tie rods, upper control arms and a ton more. Given that I am in college, I try to get the best bang for my buck when replacing parts, and go OEM as much as possible (I have kept the truck incredibly stock and have chosen to spend my money on quality OEM parts whenever possible). I plan on keeping this truck forever, and using it as my daily driver for at least the next 10 years, but with that being said I do use the truck pretty hard to explore every corner of the state as well as for business trips around the state.

This brings me to my current issue. I have been able to find info on almost every repair I have needed to do already on this forum, but this one has left me stumped. A little over a year ago, the truck developed this very loud squeak. By loud, I mean that everyone can hear it within a couple hundred yards when I drive through a parking lot. I know that there are other threads about this issue, but I have been unable to diagnose it given the tips provided (I have used a stethoscope, silicone lube, and my hand and have yet to accurately determine the location of the squeaking) I attached a couple of videos, and my predicament is this: it appears to me that the LBJ is shot (I would love for one of you with far more experience than me to confirm this) and I am guessing that is where the squeaking when I turn the wheel comes from. Of course, I would love to just change the LBJ, but I am concerned about what I believe to be a different squeak that seems like it could be coming from one of the LCA bushings.

My question is this: should I simply replace the LBJ or bite the bullet and replace the whole arm? Can I get away without changing the frame bushing if I replace the LCA or is that a mistake? Are there any separate likely places where this second squeak (the one that is present when I jacked up the LCA) could be coming from that I could check first?

Squeak when turning wheel:

Squeak when jacking up LCA:

Lower ball joint play: Lower ball joint, shot? - https://youtu.be/7WEbLKm7bbc?si=feMq-O6q3zP3wpbt

I am looking forward to being a more active member of this site, and maybe one day knowing enough to help out some other folks.

Thank you!

 

[2001LC]

Jack up with bottle jack under lower control arm, just like you did. With a long (5') bar under tire, lift bar/tire.

 

[mttrip]

Jack up with bottle jack under lower control arm, just like you did. With a long (5') bar under tire, lift bar/tire.

Heres mine.... took this today

Lower ball joint, shot?

youtu.be

Guessing this is in the "bad" column, should I replace the whole arm or just the ball joint?

What are the odds that creaking that took place when I was jacking up the truck are the LCA bushings? Thanks for the help

 

[2001LC]

Lower Ball Joint (LBJ) often creak when dry/failing/failed.

New OEM LCR are great, but $$$. If LCA damage, for sure replace it. Most just replace LBJ with 555. You'll find many threads on the subject of ieter choice!

I take knuckle off and replace Upper Ball Joint boot while in there, or UBJ if bad (most are good).

 

[ZG MN]

I've replaced the LCAs on 5 100s now....... if you have the ability or $$ to get the bushing in the frame done, do it. I wouldn't say its a mistake to skip that, but if you're going to be beating on the rig it's worth it. Plus it's one less thing to worry about.

 

[hoser]

Check lower shock mount making metal to metal contact. You can even squirt some WD-40 in there and if the creaking is reduced, you've found the culprit.