Strange suspension noise before and after FE2 swap
 

I just got my FE2 suspension swap done today, the parts changed were:
Front Swaybar endlinks to Heavy Duty
Rear Swaybar endlinks
Front/rear struts
Front/rear springs
Front ball joints.
Front Strut Plates

With all that in mind, before this was done and now after it SEEMED louder the one time it happened, if I am sitting still and turn the wheel from center left to right a few times hard, I hear and feel a kinda smack. Today the one time it happened it was almost like a loud pop, I moved a few inches and could not get the sound to happen again, the car drives just fine and feels amazing, especially compared to before. I am just wondering if someone knows if this is normal, or what should I check?

I am not an expert but two things I would check first are the body mounts, and the rack mounts. One of the gearheads should respond soon with other ideas, but I would start there for sure. ;)

So you did not change the swaybars themselves?

Did you make absolutely sure you installed the Strut mount bearings properly?

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I had my mechanic do it who seems very skilled in all things. It happens when I am going extremley slow if I yank it all the way to the left on the way to turning it back to the right it makes a clunk kind of noise.

And no, the swaybars are not new, just the endlinks.

What would be the symptoms of bad steering rack mounts? I have been told this might just be the issue by other places.

That's what I'd suggest that you check - the bolts for the steering rack. While not real common, there have been instances where they have worked their way loose. It could also be the rack itself, but I'd start with the mounting bolts.

So,

Here is what happened:

I went to my mechanic today we took it out and could not get the sound to occur. This happened the other day too, it's been random. We put it on the lift and found out that the dogbone to the transmission was entirely wrecked and useless, and the bolt that was in it was causing a smacking sound, which I am pretty sure was the sound I've been hearing. We also found at the same time that my driver's side hub was entirely ruined and it even came off in 2 pieces, what quality. Had both things fixed, car no longer shakes on the road around 67 either, so I guess that hub was the cause of my problem that I've had for months and months. The hub was so bad the wheel had play in it because of it. All in all I'm glad I figured out what was wrong and the car does not shake or make any clunking noises. The FE2 suspension is tight as can be, and I'm loving it. I wish gas was cheaper then I wouldn't feel bad taking it out all night long 8)

Glad you got it all fixed up..

Have you had the car on the interstate yet? Thats where that FE2 swap gets noticeable :lol:

Way better than the FE1 you had... Trust me I know 8)

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Yeah, I went on the highway and such, the ride is so much better. Lane changing is almost fun :D

Ok guys.

I cannot believe this, started the car this morning went to back out and the sound happened again during turning!! ARGGGHHHH!!!!! It seems to be that it's only when I first start moving the car after sitting and make the first very slow turn or two. Once it's off the driveway or out of the lot, I don't think I can really get it to do it again. Ideas? We checked the rack, swaybar center links, tranny dogbone, hubs. What would Strut mounts do if they were bad? Please note they are brand new.