2003 Ford Explorer front end sway

I forgot to note that also last week I replaced front brake pads and repacked the front wheel bearings they looked good also I did not replace the sway bar to frame bushings, could they be the culprit?

My 2000 Ford Explorer is making a clunking noise when I went over small bumps. I got under the front end and saw that the rods that hold the upper stabilizer bar had about 1" of slack, but the nut that holds it, is at the end of the threads and cannot be tightened any more. When I push up on the front end the slack goes away. What can be causing the slack? The picture I am sending still shows some slack even after inserted some washers at the bottom to fill the gap. Thanks. John

I am talking about the bolts that connect between the upper stabilizer bar and the lower suspension. Both sides have at least one inch gap. Cannot reduce gap. For some reason the site is not talking the picture. Thanks. John

updated 3/25/09

What I am talking about are two bolts on either side of the front suspension that are about 7 or 8 inches long. They connect the upper stabilizer bar to the lower. They are tightened all the way, but there is still about 1 to 1 1/2 inches of slack. When I push up on the bumper from the bottom the slack goes away. It's like the front of the car is sitting to low for some reason. The only front end work I have done is changed the shocks. I used Monroe shocks. I have temporarily put in a couple of shims to take up the slack until I can find out the reason for this. I am attaching a pic of what I am talking about. Thanks.

I have a 2000 Ford Explorer and the sway bars have broken. How easy of a job is this? How long does a job like this take? Are any specialty tools needed? I'm used to doing my own work on my vehicle but have never attempted this.

I just got this 96 ford explorer, My wife and I notice the front end makes a roaring type noise. We replaced the tires it helped a little but something is still not right. We notice the vehicle shakes quite a bit up front too, but not as much in the back of the vehicle. I'm sure with the mileage on this vehicle the front suspension could use a little love. However, I was wondering without having to spend a fortune is there something in particular that could fix this problem. I do intend on replacing things like the ball joints, sway bar links, and wheel bearing if it's equipped with them but right now I'm just trying to get it to quit shaking. The front end squeaks going over bumps too ( I'm thinking shocks). Can someone help me out here. Thanks, Andrew