So I made an appointment with my local mechanic to get my ball joints replaced because I've been hearing some creaking noises from the front end. I called Ford after that and they said it would be better to have them run a diagnosis for $80 and determine what is causing the creaking noise because it might not be both sets of ball joints or might be something else...I think I'll trust Ford on that one. I'm hearing the creaking noise when I pull up to park at a curb and the front right suspension compresses. I also hear it when I'm going over bumps or just turning the wheels. Does this sound like it could be both sets of U joints or is the lower or upper set more likely to cause noises like this? Also, the mechanic quoted me just over $600 to replace both sets, is that reasonable? I'll be taking it to Ford first, but then if the service is needed I will take it to my mechanic.

Also, I hear a clunky/squeaky noise when I shift into drive/reverse. I arranged to get my U-Joints replaced as well to fix this, are there any other parts that could be causing that noise?

FYI its a 2001 4x2, thanks!