clicking/clunking sound
 

Im new to this forum so Im not sure if im posting this in the right area or not. I have a 2003 4.0 L auto 4x4 ranger, a couple of days ago when making a sharp right hand turn I noticed a clicking/clunking sound comming from the front drivers side of the truck the sound came with no warning and is progressively getting worse and now makes the noise when I go both foward and reverse and turning (worse when making the sharp right hand turn) the transmission sounds fine when I shift from park to drive and so on, so Im kind of leaning toward the cv axle. What do you guys think?

There are several options. The most common issue is a loose or broken sway bar end link.
Check them out, see if you can tighten them up any more.
CV joint problems are actually very rare compared to the other options.

alright thanks, I'll check that out. If that's not it what would you say it is? a friend of mine said possibly the slip yoke

The only slip yoke you might here would be coming from the rear drive shaft, assuming it is not a one-piece. Either way that is not causing the noise you are describing.

Maybe I'm not clear on the noise either. Is the clunk a one time noise when you start the turn? Or does it constantly click through out the turn? If it is constantly clicking through the turn than yes, it could be a CV joint. They normally don't cause trouble unless the boot has been ripped and the grease has been flung out of the boot, causing the joint to run dry.

If the noise is a one-time clunk, sway bar end links, ball joints (upper or lower), tie rod ends could all be possibilities.

Yes it constantly clicks/clunks through out the turn but is it normal to do this going straight and reverse too? because it just started that yesterday. The boot isn't ripped but I did smell grease when I first inspected it. Ive done cv's on my cars and these for the most part are usually the symptoms just never had to mess with them on my truck and wanted some sorta confirmation before I started spending $$$ I appreciate your help and if anything else should come to mind let me know. Thanks

Okay it is likely the CV joints then.
If you end up replacing them yourself, it is fairly easy. Here is a write up with an Explorer with the same front end.
CV Axle Replacement How To (Pictures) - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

I had this clicking noise on my 01 and only made the noise when making a sharp turn. I took it in and they told me it had somethin to do with the caster and or alignment. Dont remember forsure what it was exactly but it cost me 500 bucks for them to fix it, this was a few yrs back and havent had any issues since. I had the clicking before I put on bigger tires.

There was some kit I had to buy for it. Thats all I remember

I jacked the truck up on the drivers side to more fully inspect it and I took the wheel and shook it top to bottom and it had tons of play I think I may have figured out the problem a bad front wheel bearing what do you think? the passangers side is fine. and all the front end compents sway bar links, cv boots, ball joints seem to be in good condition there tight and no tears in the boots

probably ball joints

Wheel bearings are common problems as well, I'm surprised you haven't noticed other noises and growling from them during normal driving.

FYI the hub/bearings are a sealed unit. Check rockauto.co, for replacements and retailmenot.com for coupons. You can also search for coupons here as a lot of members will post up discount codes.
How To: Replacing Front Hub / Bearing 1995+ Ford Explorer IFS - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

I have been noticing the growling from the front and its gotten worse in the last couple days. I'm pretty convinced this is the problem. Good thing we got nice weather up my way looks like a weekend project, thanks for the how to link Brian and everyone else too . Great forum!