Popping sounds when truck takes load on left side.

[JIMMY92w]

1992 GMC Jimmy 4.3L, 4x4, VIN (w), 73500 Miles.

Every time when I’m on a trail with dips and humps, or when the truck is loaded at the left side (example: making a hard right turn) I can hear a Popping, grinding pop, or a clunking sound coming from the left side (driver side) middles. But it’s very hard to place its exact location, as it may be the rear middle!… This is the best I can describe it. For example in a hard right turn I hear: Pop…pop……….pop..pop…pop..pop..pop..pop. then stops as I finish the turn.

I had suspected that because the upper/lower ball joints were shot that this was causing the sound due the 12 and 6 o-clock movements (jarring back and forth).

After spending 360 dollars and replacing the drivers side joints, to my surprise this had not solved the problem!

My drivers’ side door needs new bushings, with the door open I can lift it up enough to know that there is too much movement (maybe ¼ to 1/2 inch upwards)

QUESTION: What is causing this irritating sound? Could this be my door banging up and down as the vehicle flexes?

Thanks for any input.

One more note. I was hit hard at drivers’ side rear 7 months ago. The axle was bent, the vehicle was written off. I had the shop replace the axle and had a mechanical inspection which it passed 100%. I never herd this sound prior to the smash up!

I’m leaving town for two weeks this Monday and I might not be around internet.

[JC327]

Sounds like it could be worn CV joints to me.

[BlazayBlazerious]

Your torsion bar crossmember could be contacting the frame under the truck about where your front seats are. It happens during hard turns over uneven surfaces. Do a search for 'torsion bar crossmember' and there should be a post that has pics of where to check for wear on your frame.