Ford: thx., radius arm bushings, street avenger

Question
First of all thank you for the reply on the mustang brake job, I was able to complete it without any problems.

    This next question is somewhat long, but these two things have perplexed me for quite some time...

    I am the proud owner of a 1985 F-150 Extended Cab long Bed, I have had it for about six years. I have two problems that I can not seem to figure out.

    First of all, there is a "cracking" or "popping" noise coming from somewhere in the front of this truck. I have replaced the ball joints, tie rods and ends, Coil springs, radius arm bushings, steering gear, engine and tranny mounts... but the noise still persists.  The funny thing about it is that if I drive the truck in the rain for 15-20 min the noise will go away for about two weeks or so, but slowly returns. It can be heard when any type of twisting motion is made to occur, and also when starting out and coming to a stop. The truck is well lubed, and the noise was present before the front end work. I forget where, but I know that I have heard that the problem might stem from the rivets in the engine crossmember, and need to be cut out and replaced with bolts. I Could really use any advice you might have on this.

    The second problem is that after a hot soak the engine will need to turn over several times before starting, but always starts fine when completely cold (given a shot or two of gas).  I replaced the carb with a 570cfm Holley street avenger about three years ago. I have a clear glass fuel filter on the truck, and have watched it empty out completely while sitting after being run. I know this must be the reason for the hard starting, but can't seem to find the source of the problem, although I did find what I thought to be a factory defect in the power valve, and replaced it, but it did not help my problem.

    If you actually read all of this question, I sincerely Thank You,,,,, HELP PLEASE!


Answer
ok first thing you are right there was a TSB on a poping noise and you have to take out the rivets and replace with grade 8 or 10 bolts no flat washers but only lock washers and tighten down to 78 to 85 foot pounds.                                                                                                                    what is the timing set out? fuel presure ? and also ck the oil and see if you can smell gas. let me know