dvwd

I have a 98 4runner lmtd w/94k on the odo. Recently I have been getting a odd noise out of the front end. When I take off from a start I hear the noise, or when coming to stop i hear the noise. I had the front shocks replaced, and the shop the did the shocks say the checked out every aspect of the front end, everything looks good, evertyhing is tight, (even saw the guy pushing, pulling, bouncing the heck of the truck), the only thing 2 things the tech said it could be was either a ball joint that went dry(no signs of leaking or anything else visibly wrong with the ball joint), or a sway bar bushing. The noise sounds like a dull clunk. no popping, no loud clunk, just a dull slight clunk. Has anyone else encountered a funny, undiagnosible noise out of a 96-02 4runner? Any info would be much appreciated.