Ford Explorer: Ball Joint or Outer TRE

2000 XLT 4WD, 50k miles, SOHC

Clunk when going over bumps, certain roads it's real clunkity.

Dealer "checked" the ball joints at my request and state the
driver's side needs replacement. At the same time I took it in
I pointed out a "clunk" or "pop" sound when I turn the steering
wheel full lock to the left, then back off about a quarter turn.

I had my wife turn the wheel as described while I was underneath
feeling for the pop, and I can see the outer TRE that is making the
noise. And when it does, I see it move up in the joint part at the
rubber boot. Would this make the clunking noise I hear over bumps
instead of the lower ball joint?

And, lastly, how does one measure play in the lower ball joint? And
how easy is it to replace for the DIY-er in a garage with enough tools
(no pneumatics)

TIA,
-IanCT

I have the same symptoms on my 2000 XLT 2wd V8 ...except I get a repeating popping noise when the wheel is turned to the left.

I only hear the noises after a few minutes of driving uneven/bumpy roads--it sounds fine if it hasn't been driven for a while. I've had it to two different shops and they couldn't find anything wrong, so I'd love to know what you did to fix this problem.