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First check the suspension thoroughly or have someone check for you. Here are some possible problems you could have. The experts will have more info I'm sure. I've had only limited experience.
Front: ball joint looseness, tie rod end looseness, inner tie rod joint looseness (inside the steering boots). The ball joints and tie rod ends could easily be worn and loose. The inner tie rod connection is part of the tie rod itself and doesn't seem to go bad as often.
There are also four control arm bushings, two on each side. Plus the sway bar has six bushings total. All of these, if they are worn out could contribute to your troubles.
The strut inserts could be worn out which would contribute to a soft unsafe ride, as well as the upper strut bearings which could cause some weird noises.
While you are checking all of this, tighten up all the bolts as recommended in the IPD catalogue and explained below.
Here’s the IPD Tech Tip for front end clunks. Maybe this will help.
Check the following first:
Front crossmember bolts (2 on each side) accessed from each side of the engine compartment. 17 mm socket, loosen one-half turn, torque to 55 ft pounds.
A-Arm front bushing bolts (2 total) accessed from under the car behind the steering rack bellows. With weighted suspension, 19 mm socket, loosen a bit, torque to 54 ft. lbs.
A-Arm rear bushing mounts, three bolts each side, 14 mm socket, loosen a bit, torque to 29 ft lbs.
Rear A-Arm nut is hard to reach, torque to 40 lbs.
My son's car clunked like crazy. It had very loose A-Arm rear bushing mount bolts. Torqued them and the clunk disappeared. Free and easy.
The rear suspension has shocks, and a bunch of bushings that could be worn. I've only done shocks back there, so someone else will be able to help more on the details.
Get the Bentley manual if you can. (ISBN 0-8376-0285-8) It is a great help.
Good luck.
PS: It would be better to put on the lowering springs AFTER all the basics are in good order if you decide to go lower. Lowering springs with everything else sloppy wouldn't be that great.
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Thanks everyone for all the information and advice, Doug C. 81 242 Brick Off Blocks, stock, B21F (non-Turbo), M46; 86 244, B230, 140k , auto.
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