2004 Heritage 4x4 Thumping while braking

I have a 2004 Heritage Model F150 4x4 Manual Transmission V6

It started to make a thumping noise a while back when the brakes were applied hard, sounded like from the front end. I figured it was a warped rotor and/or bad pads or bad caliper bolts, the thumping and pulse seemed like that was what it was.

The front end was a mess. I ended up changing just about everything. CV axles both sides, one piece bearing/hubs, upper control arms, bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links, rotors, pads, calipers, hardware, maybe more things.

It all needed done, so no big deal, however the thumping while breaking is still there, it is getting worse and sounding more metallic. You can feel it in the steering wheel and under your feet. The drive shafts are very, very rusted, but seem to have no play in the u joints. I changed the back rotors, calipers, hardware and emergency brake parts and hardware a couple of years ago, they seem good. Taking it out of gear or pushing in the clutch or not pushing in the clutch seems to make no difference. You can go fast and let off the gas, no noise, you can aggressively downshift, no noise. Hit the brakes and you get a nice thump, thump, thump, like I said now it sounds even slightly metallic and getting worse.

I figure if nothing else before long something bad is going to happen and I will know what it is.

Thanks Mark

Ball Joint?

I'm betting on ball joints. Check steering linkage, as the wheel might be shuddering just enough to make the joints clank.