When I accelerate I hear a popping sound in the front end, can feel it in the steering wheel as well. It started when I towed a Uhaul trailer. Just trying to figure out where to start diagnosing this issue without tearing apart the whole front end.

Also looking for leads on a good honest rover mechanic in the Denver Colorado area.

Any help appreciated.

'95 D1 162000 miles, automatic trans.

 

Have you checked your front drive shaft?

 

I did a quick look over, all is in tack. I am going to get it up in the air this weekend. I am guessing I need to check for lose U joints? I've never had any issues on engine repair, but not to experienced with drive train.

 

if the shaft is a double cardan (3 ujoints, 2 of which are connected by a centering ball) that centering ball is a usual suspect. you can remove that front shaft, lock the center differential and drive rear wheel drive. this will tell you fosho if that shaft is your noise.

 

So at the risk of feeling like an idiot I found my popping... It is the left side exhaust manifold. I was under the hood working on some minor stuff and revved the engine a bit. At higher RPMs it popped, knocked my hat off. Since that popping is next to the steering column I guess it explains feeling it.

Well cheaper than a drive shaft