I have tried to read everything and figure this out, but there are no specific answers. What makes the front end sound like old bed springs on a 98 Ranger 4 cylinder with 175K? I just bought it and I know if I do the obvious, replace the front shocks, it is going to be something else making the noise. What are the top 3 possibilities here?

 

Control Arm Bushings. Spray them with some lubricant and see if the sound stops. If so you need new bushings.

 

Turned out to be lower ball joints!