I got a 03 lariat recently and took to get inspected. It failed for both lower ball joints, idler arm, pitman arm. I changed those all along with sway bar bolt and bushings and drivers side outer tie rod that I had to cut off. I suck at suspension work and this was tough but all went in as expected. Ball joints didn't go in crooked or anything.
But now when I put it in drive there is a single thud that I mostly hear on the drivers side. But just once till I brake and I hear it again or when I put it in reverse I hear it.
Just double checked all bolts are tight on new components. I just don't have the experience to move the tire and see if the tie rods are worn or what. Any ideas? Keep in mind I took off the axles and lowered the tension suspension bar thing that is in place of a spring.

 

look at your caliper bolts, after I did my wheel bearings I got a thud like you explain and turns out one of the caliper bolt striped out and fell out causing the caliper to shift up or down hitting the rotor and the rim

 

I should add some more information. That's exactly what I thought so I took the caliper off and the pads and all looked fine. also almost no movement moving the wheel up and down. shaking horizontally has some movement but the rest of the steering parts are moving the same. Moving the axle shaft also seemed smooth. I replaced the hub on this side a couple months ago so that's not an issue.

 

hmmm not sure bud

 

Did you get it alighned after all the work. If not that would be my next step. If something is still bad thay won't alighn it. Thay will give you an estament on what needs replaced.

 

yeah that's my fall back plan. Easy way to see whats wrong is to have a pro look at it. trouble is if he misses or can't find it I'm in the same boat.