Stumped
 

So my 99 2wd ranger has developed a considerably large sounding/feeling clunk felt through the steering column. It usually happens over minor bumps at any speed. The clunk sounds/feels like the battery would be bouncing around, but it isnt. Its just what it feels like.

I have checked the entire front end and all is tight. Only very very minor side to side play on the ball joints. Is there anything im missing that could be causing the problem?

TIA

Check your cab mounts and make sure they're tight.

sway bar is tight? bad shocks?

ball joints or anti sway bar linkage

i.ve had struts clunk over bad bumps before, not sure if they are struts up front on the 2wds or not tho

Well seems to me like the shop I took my truck to is incompetent. Nothing like paying $80 to have a vehicle looked over only to miss something very obvious.

I got my girlfriend to push side to side on the front fenders while i looked and listened around. The sound is coming from the outer tie rods. You can hear it from that location and when you put your hand on it you can feel the "clunk".

Are there any special tools needed for the job? Need an alignment after wards?

No special tools needed. And, yes, I would get an alignment after.

i was just going to post "outer tie rods" but you already found the problem. i had the same problem but when i hit a bump my steering wheel would go crazy and i couldn't even control it...my 33s destroyed them lol

lol how the heck did they miss that?? glad YOU found it though just sucks about the $80 that could have gone towards parts...

and yes x2 on the alignment it is a must