Bad front end noises... HELP!!

[TJs4x4Ex]

Ok... so here's the deal. Driving to work the other day in a snowstorm, engaged 4x4... worked fine. Next day, in 2wd, taking a right turn, feels like front left wheel wobbled... then followed by numerous banging/clunking noises and what feels like a "loose" wheel. However, went under the truck, everything looks fine. My friend says it's probably the axle or half shaft... but if the 4x4 xfer case motor isn't working correctly, would that be causing the problems?? I'm lost and REALLY need help. Kinda nervous to bring it to a mechanic... hate payin more than I need to. Any help would be appreciated. (even in 2wd, motor runs fine, but odd noises and uneasy movement). Thanks in advance.

By the way, its a 1993 4.0 XLT with an AT...

[gtmud]

First, jackup the front -end and check that tire for any play. Once the weight is off the tire you will probably see what the problem is. It could be the wheel bearing hub or even the balljoint. I think that the 93' had the CV type shafts, if the boot is still sealed, good chance that it is fine, I would look at the hub bearing for your problem.

[TJs4x4Ex]

Good news and bad news...

First the good... the problem wasn't the front end... just FELT like it... anyways it was the rear driver's side wheel... only cost 15 bucks in parts and about 3 hours worth of work... :-D

Now the bad... since I bought lugs slightly wider than the original ones, you can't take the 4x4 cap off without taking them off. So here's what happened: apparantly someone felt the need to STEAL mine off my explorer. Of course, they didnt put the lugs back on properly... actually barely on at all... which caused the wheel to "wobble" and actually TORE off 2 Lug studs - leaving 3 VERY loose lugnuts to hold my wheel in place... so now I went out and purchased lug locks to prevent this from happening again. And also I have my work's security checking video cams for someone taking it off my car so I can notify the police. Cheap, quick fix but coulda been a LOT worse had I not glanced at the rear wheel. Thanks guys.