This is on my 1996, 4X4, MAN. 2.7l reg cab.

I've noticed a rattle that sounds like a loose cow bell from the driver front wheel area, any ideas what that might be? It only occurs when i hit a pot hole or bump. (I know, don't hit those...right)

 

have you checked for a loose cow bell?

squeaky body mount? stabilizer bar mounts? steering rack mounts? suspension squeaks?

 

Yeah, I checked for an actual bell of some kind, b/c yes, I have been a victim of that once before.

 

Guess what?

I got a fever and the only prescription is more cowbell!

http://webfeedcentral.com/2005/01/21...cowbell-video/

Ok, that had to be said

Now back to your cowbell problem...

i'm in agreement with wj: body mounts or bushings. i had a similar sound coming from the front and it turns out that my tie rod bushing and my anti-sway bar bushing is shot. im going ot replace both soon.

bob

 

Well the rattle was a loose brake pad retaining clip...

 

good catch