First of all I have never really worked on any suspension on any car, so I probably don't know what I am talking about, but here goes nothing. Everytime I go over a bump there is a pretty loud popping noise that comes from my front end and I was wondering if this could be it: When I took off my drivers side wheel, the first bushing you see on the tie rod end(???) was cracked and looked pretty old. Do you think this could be my problem? If not then what do you think it could be. I work on a dirt road and it can get really annoying, so any help would be appreciated.
Also, what is involved in installing a new bushing?
Thanks.

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1990 Formula 350
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Is it a popping or more of a rattle ? I had a similar problem with a rattle up front & after taking a quick peek under the front,, i found that the top of the sway bar end link bolt broke. The sleeve & all was still there (because it was all rusted together)& the bumps were letting the sway bar flop around on it making the rattle noise (and hideous body roll). If it's your tie rod making that kind of noise I'd say that would be a dangerous problem

#17 is the sway bar end link,, check those on both sides. If you suspect the tie rod (connected to #3) see how easy it is to twist & if there is any slop in it (excessive play/loose).
Changing the end link isn't all to difficult (about 10 mins or so depending on rustiness). If you have to change out a tie rod you might as well let an alignment shop do it,, you will have to have the car re-aligned anyways (unless you think you can get it back close enough yourself)

Hope that helped some

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