I engaged the 4wd for the first time since having my van yesterday. When moving slowly and turning the wheel to the right, there was a loud metal knock right beneath my seat. It happened once turning right out of an alley onto the street and then once again in reverse with the wheel turned to the right. I unlocked the hubs and put it back in 2wd and there is no knocking. Except with the wheel turned all the way to the right when pulling in or out of a parking space. I think it may be a tie rod but honestly, this is the first vehicle that I have done any work on and I have had it for about 6 weeks.
When driving in 2wd at speeds between 0 and about 25mph there is rattling in the front suspension/ steering when I go over transverse cracking in the road. I have raised the front end and shook both wheels by grabbing at 12 and 6 o clock on the wheels as well as at 3 and 9 o clock. At first the front drivers side wheel had some play at 12 and 6 o'clock. I thought it might be the wheel bearings because I had felt similar play in bike wheels. I repacked both front wheel bearings. The play in the wheel at 12 and 6 o clock is gone but the rattling persists. The bushings in the stabilizer bar are worn and I have new ones from Toyota. I plan on replacing the stabilizer bar bushings when I fix whatever is causing the knock in 4wd and getting an alignment then.
What is the best way to find out what needs to be addressed?