"Crushing" sound from front end 01 F250

[aclasshog]

I'm hoping that some of you can identify with this noise and I can benefit from your experience. My truck is a 01 F250 4WD with only 63k miles. Since last year, I've started noticing a rubbing/crushing sound from the front but only when you go over a substantial bump and mostly when it's cold or cooler outside. It kinda resembles a plastic crushing sound or like two pieces of hard plastic rubbing together and in sync with the "bouncing" motion of the truck during the transition.

I first thought it was the stock shocks giving up so I replaced them with Bilstiens last Fall to no avail. Still hearing the sound at slow speeds when I go in/out of lots with a ditch, or rail crossings, etc.

I feel that it's likely a bushing of some kind in the front end but not sure how to troubleshoot it. Hopefully this will ring a bell with someone and the responses can help narrow it down.

Many Thanks in advance.

[ford_doctor]

Usually it's the swaybar bushings/end links.

[01f25073]

The Ford Doctor is exactly right. Mine did the same thing that drove me crazy. No one could fix it. This site helped me track it down. Do yourself a huge favor and get access to a hydraulic press to remove the stock bushings from the links and order a set of sway bar and end link bushings. Did I say to get a press? It is that important!

[aclasshog]

Thank you guys for the replies, I'm in the process of shopping now.

As far as the press is concerned, is that necessary for the end links only? I could get the entire link and not need a press, correct?

[01f25073]

You can buy new end links if you want and not have to worry about pressing the bushings out. Just make sure the new ones don't come with new bushings in them. Another word of advice is to get some waterproof grease and generously apply it to all surfaces. After you tighten everything down, wipe off the access.

[aclasshog]

Hopefully this post will be helpful to someone.
My truck is a 2001SD 6spd, 4WD and here are the pieces I ordered.

Front sway bar end links were:
Moog K80273 & K80274
Front sway bar bushings were:
Moog K80072 for a 1 1/4 bar BUT these didnt fit, the U clamp was much larger than the bushings and didnt fit around them without a gap. The fit the bar ok, but not the U Strap. So I just put the stockers back in.
I have no idea what the right sway bar bushing p/n is.

Noise is gone!

[01f25073]

Glad you fixed that. Mine drove me crazy for years. I offered many mechanics a virtual blank check and they still couldn't stop it. One day I asked the question on this site and finally found the solution. I was so happy not to hear that awful sound anymore. That has been a little over 2 years ago and since the Energy bushings are vastly superior to the stock setup, I am still enjoying quiet suspension. Thanks for posting the part numbers as well.