I read thru the thread because having an F250 and having to replace the loose ball joints was a memorable experience. :W
Having done that on a 2 WD, I don't understand the clanging noise. What about the question on 2 or 4 WD? Maybe you have a 4 WD and the U Joint is toast and banging around?
Having done a 2WD, I don't see how one could wear the joints all the way thru without noticing the front wheels leaning in on the top when setting in a parking lot.
Easy way to check the play is to jack the front wheel off the ground (you can use the I Beam for this if jacked close to the wheel). Then grab the top and bottom of the tire and rock it back and forth.
Being an ole motor head, I would be interested in what was making the noise.
Also when I replaced mine, the house brand china type joints were really cheap, while the MOOG joints were expensive. If you are going to keep the truck I would go with Moog since they have grease zerks. If you are gonna dump it, I would go with the el cheapo Chinese ones.
Good luck!
