Front End "Clunking"

On my 87 4x4 s10 the front end clunks everytime I hit a bump. It has new shocks all the way around it and probably hasn't been greased up real good in awhile. I was told that the ball joints are prolly going out, but it doesnt pull in any direction and the tires dont seem to be pointed in or leaning out. Any Ideas??

You could take it to a frontend shop that offer Free Inspections, that way it won't cost you anything to find out. Ask for a coupon while you're there.

Take a look at this thread (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=302656) in the "How To" in the Blazer forum of this board. The loud clunk is a common problem with hood hinges on Blazers. Sounds like a loose shock, but is an easy fix.

No Grease in the ball joints will also make a Clunking noise. Grease it up and take it for a ride. Hint: Front Wheels should be off the ground to properly grease the joints...

Post back with your fix...

Chevy had to replace the idler arm and the control arms for mine. I had this type of problem when i backed out of my driveway.

Chevy had to replace the idler arm and the control arms for mine. I had this type of problem when i backed out of my driveway.

Idler arm or some other steering component is probably right.

Just because its not leaning a tire, isnt enough to dismiss a ball joint as being a problem. I get the tire off the ground, and use a pry-bar to pull against those to check them for wear.

The hood hinge issue only applies to 2nd generation GM "S" & "T" bodies '95 and newer. You might check the torsion bar mounts, located on each end of the transmission crossmember. It's a common problem on 1st generation GM "T" body vehicles. If they are worn or broken, they will clunk on the floor below the driver and/or passenger seats. GM "S" body, (4X2) does not use torsion bars, it has coil springs in front.

Good catch Old Master, I missed that he had a 1987.