I just started noticing a noise coming from the front end left while backing up and turning the wheel. It also happens if I make a sharp left turn. Seems like a small knock or thump with a skipping feeling.

Any suggestions?
all of the boots look fine. no lift. regular driver

I'm thinking upper or lower ball joint, cv joint, inner ties?
but how can i narrow it down to one of these?

Any feedback greatly appreciated.

99 3rd gen 180,000

Have you checked that the sway bar end links are tight and not broken? Those will make a distinctive clunk sound like you've described.

You can test the ball joint and tie rods by lifting the truck (so the wheels/suspension are unloaded) and try moving the wheel (not spin it, but see if the assembly is loose in any direction).

LBJ: grab the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock and try to move back and forth (push with one hand, pull with the other). Any shifting or movement would indicate your LBJ needs to replaced immediately.

Tie rods: (1) grab the wheel at 9 and 3 o'clock and try to move it like above. This will tell you if there is any play in either the outer or inner tie rod. (2) take the outer tie rod off the lbj assembly and if it doesn't support its own weight, the inner tie rod is shot.

thanks fish!

I'll definitely try moving the front wheels.
I removed the front sway and links before winter and have been driving like this since. I stripped and repainted front sway bar and ordered new links/bushings but have yet to install. Now I'm wondering if not having the bar connected put extra stress on ties or bj's. I should really put it back on.

thanks again

No problem, those clunks can be annoying and it's best to catch them before it takes a turn for the worse (pun intended). Particularly the LBJ - if they break, it's not pretty.

I have a question in return though, do your *really* charm hawks?!

lol!
years ago... me and my lady friends were heading back from a camping trip. I watched a hawk get clipped by a semi trailer on the expressway. We stopped the car and I ran out, picked him up, checked his wings and he clawed, scratched and bit me numerous times as I nursed him back to health as I poured smart water down his throat. He was in shock and my hands were gushing blood, but after a while he was calm, looked at me, smiled and flew off as I pushed him towards the sky. There was a crowd around me at the rest stop, everyone clapped and one of the girls looked at me and called me a hawk charmer.. It kind of stuck with me since then..