88 Wagoneer front end "skip" and grind

My son's 1988 Wagoneer has started to ocassionaly make a short grinding noise accompainied by a skip and slight left pull. It feels like a gust of wind hits the car and you can hear and feel something that sounds like it is in the front left wheel area. It did it about 5 times on my 20 mile trip to work. Doesn't happen in a turn or sudden change in speed -- it waits 'till you are sure it won't do it and then does. It sounds and feels kind of scary.

I would check the brakes, even if it does it with the brakes on, a brake pad or shoe chould have come apart!! Ben there, very scary and un safe. If not take it to a shop ASAP does not sound safe to be on the road!!