Issue with 96' Explorer 5 Speed. Clunk, vibrate from front

[452films]

3rd explorer, and I still can't diagnose every issue I guess.

I have a broken sway bar link as of rechecking today. Would this also cause a vibration at higher speeds. I have new control arms, new upper and lower ball joints, and new outer tie rod ends.

These could be 2 irrelevant issues, so I'm not ruling that out just yet.

When starting off on occasions, or sometimes switching between gears, theres a noticeable front end pop. It sounds like the type of noise a bad strut on FWD car would make, or even a ball joint popping back and forth before it lets go ( all ball joints look good, tie rod ends look good )
The second noise/vibration is once you get up to speed ( going to have to double check how fast, but I do know the noise gets louder and louder as you accelerate ). You can feel the vibration like hell in the steering wheel and shift lever.

I've never heard a wheel bearing make a similar noise, but I have also only owned ford explorers with auto 4x4 and f-150's, so maybe it is a wheel bearing. Maybe a CV axle.

Will go and check the 4x4 and see how it sounds. Not looking to start throwing crazy money into this thing either.

 

[gonenuke]

Broken end link can cause vibration at higher speeds, funky steering also. This may be way out there but have you checked your U Joints.