88 f250's front end clunks and bangs while turning with hubs free

Is your battery light on the dash on? When my alternator died, my hubs were auto locking due to low voltage in the 4wd selector even though 2wd was selected. The problem corrected itself when I installed a new alternator.

have the "U" joints or cv joints checked at the front end

check front axle shafts cv joints one might be bad. also if you turn on a dry surface when 4x4 engaged it will bind and make noise. Jack front of truck up and try to wiggle wheel up,down all around as you may also have a bad wheel hub bearing that is clunking when turning.

look under the seat for a bottle under it -

have your front end looked at -
Check your wheels - make sure - 100% that they are not loose by getting out the tire tool and tightening them just a little bit - or a lot if real loose.

There is a possibility the axel U-joint is binding, this will put side load on the hubs and keep them from working properly. Turn the steering wheel either far right or left and with front of truck off the ground or the front end disengaged, see if the axel shafts turn free, both sides. If there is binding the U-joint(s) will have to be replaced.

Either the front driveshaft is out of balance or the front axle u-joints are binding and need replaced

ck fuses,make sure veh. is in nutreal and make sure front diff.is not binding

check ball joints by lifting front end and shake tires. if loose your ball joints are bad. you will hear a clunking sound as you apply brakes during driving. its the play in the ball joint. the dealer wants $600 in labor. $160 in parts at auto zone. get the ball joint press also. good luck.

Check the tie rod, tie rod ends, and ball joints for excessive play. Jack up the front on either side and have a helper push and pull on the top or bottom of the tire. Watch the area where the hub pivots on the axle. if both sides check out. with the truck on the ground, have the helper turn the steeribg wheel back and forth about a half turn with the key off. Look for loose outer tie rod ends, and inner tie rod ends.
F-250 4x4 steering componants are pretty basic, If your unsure what to look for then take it to someone that knows how to fix it. Correctly. If you replaced any of the joints. It would be in your best interest to get it alighned.

Ball joint, tie rod end or upper strut bearing. CV joints? Pulling to the left may be an alignment problem with front or rear tires. Get a four wheel alignment.