Knocking in Front Suspension/RPM Surge

[krutkosky]

Greetings all,

I have a 2002 Dakota, Quad Cab, 4.7L 4X4 with a K&N CAI and a Magnaflow 3" single exhaust - 63,000 miles. Great truck - no major problems. I live in California (for climate reference).

I have had an annoying clunking/loud snapping sound in the driver's side front end for some time, but of course it doesn't occur when it's at the dealer. It happens especially when turning and the front end bounces. I know of the upper ball joint recall, but I've been told that my truck isn't on the recall list and that the issue is normally with East Coast vehicles (rain). Any opinions?

Also, after I had the intake and exhaust installed a few weeks ago I began occasionally experiencing RPM surge while cruising at highway speeds (55-70MPH). I've read small comments on threads that it might be my oxygen sensor... any comments on this?

I appreciate anyone's input.

[krutkosky]

Oh yes, the surge didn't begin until about two weeks after the intake and exhaust were installed.

[Dakota00]

That's BS!!! Your truck falls under the recall, I would get it done soon, because it sounds like your ball joint is ready to crap out.

As for the surge, I really don't know what the problem could be. Try resetting the PCM and if you haven't done this yet, clean the TB and the IAC motor. Might fix the problem