Clunking noise from front end when under load

[Craig_B_]

G'day,

I have a 98 Ford Explorer XL Quest 5 speed manual. have had it for about 9 years now but don't drive it much due to having a company car for past 5 years.
Back when I used to drive it daily I started to get a rather loud clunking / knocking noise from the front end when under load, mainly when in 3rd or 4th gear. I took it to my local ford dealer way back in 2004 and they said they never new what it was. After a while the noise got worse and now makes the noise in all gears when under load like going up a slight hill or taking off from the light's. clunk clunk clunk until i get up and going then any time when under load again. It sounds like something is about to break or crack.

I want to start driving my Explorer again and want to get the problem fixed but no ford dealer seems to know the fault.

has anyone else had a similar issue or any idea what it could be?

many thanks

Craig

 

[pshaxe]

i had the same problem,
the only thing i could find was that it was the front drivers side hub.
but i did the brown wire mod, which gave me 2wd, awd, 4H and 4L, i keep it in 2wd, and the sound went away except when i put it in 4wd.
so im pretty sure it has something to do with your hub,
is yours four wheel drive?

 

[johnny96]

i have a similar problem. the truck is stock awd and when i get up to around inbetweeen 40 and 50mph it seems like the rearend shudders. maybe shifting between awd and 2wd?