I have a 2001 ford ranger, single cab, 2.3l engine rwd manual, anyway;
I recently started noticing a loud sound coming from what sounds like my front passenger wheel, i dont know if id describe it as a knocking sound but more of a single abrupt thud at random.. like if you were to run over a big rock and it smacked the frame of your truck. Ive noticed it likes to do it mainly when ive got the wheels fully cocked to either side if im doing a tight maneuver, however its done it when im just crusing down the road or breaking. I recently replaced my upper and lower ball joints thinking it may fix the problem as my ball joints were fairly well worn but if anything it seemed to make the problem occur even more often (im sure its just getting worse). While i was under there i didnt notice anything out of the ordinary, but i also didnt check very hard as i thought the ball joints were suspect. Everything felt and looked for the most part snug and correct. So im unsure what it might be. I will be going back under there soon to do a double take but any advice or ideas would be much appreciated!

 

Could be ball joints, tie rod ends, could be the coil springs, if you have coil springs.

I would get the truck up on the lift and see what is going on, there are so many things that could have worn out.

Also, we are talking about your steering here, if something major breaks, you loose control.

Sounds like an accident looking for a place to happen !