1997 Dodge Dakota clunking noise from front end

i have a clunking noise that seems to be coming from the front end but im not possitive. it happened after going off road. i have no front axle movement but the gear reduction works fine. the noise gets really bad when i turn either direction. i have to keep it in 4hi otherwise the clunking noise gets really bad and sounds like something is about to fall off the truck. the wheel bearing are basically brand new heavy duty ones, the tie rod ends seem to have no play in them, the cv axle has a small cut in the boot but there is no play in it. im kinda stumped on this one any ideas or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. thanks 11/15/09