clarehills

Hey, I have my 2003 GT few weeks and I notice that when I drive with the wife in the car (or anyone else for that matter) I get creaking sounds when starting from a dead stop and clunking sounds when going over bumps - both from the rear end. I assume she simply doesnt just want me in the car and that there must be some clearance issue that only exhibits when there is extra weight in the car...

I had it up on jackstands for the first oil change after I bought it and gave the underside a real good look over and didn't notice anything at the time (wasnt aware of the symptoms then or I would have looked closer) - the previous owner said that he had replaced the fuel pump himself - could it be the fuel tank perhaps?

The car is totally stock btw.

Any advice would greatly appreciated, thanks.

clarehills

bump

Brady98GT

i noticed clunking sounds a few weeks ago and it turned out to be a broken rear sway bar. check it out.

Sap

First off check for any worn bushings, control arm or swaybar bushings that are worn out or have dirt in any contact areas can squeak. WD-40 can fix it temporarily =), or you can order new ones from Energy Suspension if thats the case.

Also your shocks in the back may be worn out, also the third shock (forget the name) may also be worn out, check for oil leaks on the shocks, this will tell you if the internal seals are ruptured allowing them to leak. Cheap fix to replace them.

Good Luck,

E.

Aereon

+1 to both the above posts, our stangs are after all... ford products.. lmao

our swaybar is pretty brittle and I've known a few people that have had broken sway bars, and to check your shocks/struts push down on the corner above the wheel and see if it bounces up and down, I do this everytime i get home after twisties. I know it's not needed but it's nice to know and get a bit of a heads up on when your shocks/struts are getting worn.

clarehills

Brady98GT, Sap and Aereon, respect and thanks for the great suggestions and information, I will check it out and post back what I find.
C