99 Astro clunking like it will fall apart

[meye2boys]

I need some help. I would like to try and figure out what is going on with my astro so I can estimate the cost of fixing it. When I accelerate from a stopped position it makes this horrible clunking noise like something is just going to fall apart. I have no idea how to explain it better then that. It actually kind of scares me to drive it. I notice it also kind of lugs when you shift from reverse to drive.
Any ideas?
Thanks

[skflaash]

Check "U" joints 1st

[meye2boys]

Ok Thanks for the reply. I am going to take it to the shop tomorrow. One more question. If it is the U joints would something like that show up on the computer. It is going to cost me 90$ to have it diagnosed so I dont want to spend that money if it isnt going to tell us what the problem is.

Thanks again.

[yoslick]

Agree on the u-joints and no a computer wont pick that up, had an 01 had the same noise and it was the transfer case... ouch, thats gonna cost ya!!

[meye2boys]

Thanks. Hopefully it will be covered by my extended warranty. Keeping my fingers crossed.

[GLFarnes]

While it's in the shop, have all the front end components checked. Could be ball joints, control arm, Drag links, or Idler arm wear. I have a '93 and '99, The '93 ran into a guard rail due to front end wear and the '99 was just found to have a lot of the same problems.