The front wheels hop, and I hear a popping noise on my 1990 E-4WD Aerostar.

[welton]

I have an 1990 Aerostar AutomaticAWD with 87000miles.
When making sharp turns, the vehicle seems to hop and loud popping sounds come from under the vehicle. I have walked along side of the vehicle while having someone to drive the car making donuts, it looks like the front wheels hop or skip during hard turning. I replaced the front axle shafts and shocks but it made no difference. Any suggestions would be helpful???
Thanks
welton

UPDATE, yes it is the computer that drives the front wheels. Unpluged it drives fine, no popping or noise of any kind, but no front wheel drive. Need a new one, guess it can wait till cold weather.
Thanks for the help.

 

[BigDakota]

The AWD normally have 70 percent traction rear and 30 percent traction on the front in normal everyday driving conditions.This percentage 70/30 will allow you to make turns normally without the front end binding up and making the "popping" sounds. There are sensors in the Transfer case that will change the amount of traction needed in the front end and send a signal to the computer(I believe this is under the drivers seat)and this makes the front end lock up more for traction on ice , snow, mud ect.
The popping noise you are hearing is caused by the front end being fully engaged.
You will have to get the computer codes pulled/read, if any were stored.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Replace the ball joints & upper control arm bushings.