Clunking when I hit brakes?

[bennylava]

Haven't got under there and rooted around yet, but I have something of a clunking noise when I hit the brakes on my 87 Silverado truck. 2wd 700R4. You do have to hit the brakes more than just lightly. But when you mash on them normally you'll here a "clunk". It can be when you're just driving down the road, or when you're backing up. I was wondering if this could be u-joints. Or perhaps some suspension component is known for this?

[cadillac_al]

I hope it's not a ball joint. It's no fun when those break.

[homemade87]

I had an upper a arm loose a shim once and when you hit the brakes it would move and clunk . Same think going backwards .

[Dead Parrot]

Loose spare tire? Double check all the lug nuts. Battery mount tight? U-joints clunk when you switch from D to R and back in the driveway?

[bennylava]

Originally Posted by homemade87

I had an upper a arm loose a shim once and when you hit the brakes it would move and clunk . Same think going backwards .

I'll check those out too. My truck also does it when you go backwards. I was also considering a ball joint. I'll check everything listed in this thread.

Side note, I'd also like to ask what all causes loose steering. I've already replaced the pitman arm, and the rag joint. Those two did tighten the steering up a good bit. But what else? What else do I need to check? I'm getting everything else out of the way, before I buy a new steering gear box.

[jkk]

Tie rods.....draglink

[Skunksmash]

Could be ball joints