I have a 97 f150 4x4 and when I got over a bump i hear a thump or pop in the front end.I am thinking it could be a lower ball joint, but how to I tell if it is bad? Or could it be a stablizer bar? Need opinions ? Thanks

 

Jack the front end of the truck off the ground. Grab the tire at the top and bottom (12 &6 o'clock position) and try moving it back and forth. If you feel any play, you have a bad ball joint(s). Now grab it on each side (3 and 9 o'clock position) and shake it again. If you feel any play the tie rod ends are bad.

 

Ok, jacked the truck up and tried moving the tire, and not play from top to bottom or from side to side.Now need to look for something else that is causing the pop/ thump

 

Stabilizer check, but check tie rods. Ball joints, tie rods and stabilizer, I've replaced all except upper B-joints so it's all too familiar. Are you familiar with checking the tie rods?

 

Check the shock and shock bolts.