Thank you Delta2nineR and Andrewwynn for the suggestions. The front suspension had bad upper control arms (these are called thrust arms correct...?) so I replaced them at the same time I R/R the wheel axles and sway bar links. The sway bar links rubber boot were cracked badly so it was time for replacement.

Prior to replacing these components, the front lurched forward when braking. Looseness in control when going into parking lots. After replacing the upper control arms, the front feels solid although it veers to the right a little more than before (need to take it in for front wheels alignment after the suspension work).

I checked the bushings on the lower control arms last night when replacing the wheel axle and they look good. No cracks or tears anywhere yet. The type of clunking noise that I'm hearing now was not there even before the replacement of worn suspension parts up front.

I am also leaning towards the sway bar links and bolting of the sway bar to the support plate.

Thanks.