Ford: 2001 Ford Explorer Sport, ford explorer sport, ball joints

Question
My vehicle makes a clunking noise underneath the car (sounds like somewhere near the front middle area) when I am braking. It does not do it all the time though. I also suspect that my shocks are going bad, my car is riding rougher lately. It has 88,000 on it. I was wondering what could be causing this problem. Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi

Generally shocks should not cause this.  I would begin with a full front end inspection. check caliper mountings, brake pads, ball joints, sway bars and all related bushings.
Failing that, raise the vecle with all 4 wheels off the ground and run it in 4wd and see if you can duplicate the problem. then simply watch for the source.