heard the same clunking sound during a hard right turn?

I would like to know what to look for in diagnosing the slippage that occurs in my front end when i accellerate from a stop. I have also heard the same clunking sound during a hard right turn, however, I was not applying the throttle during this event. I am lead to believe it is the CV joints due to the significant slack on the outboard joints. I have also found similar symptoms that had resulted in a stretched transfer case chain. How can I eliminate one of these two so i don't tear my front drivetrain apart only to find myself in over my head replacing parts that are still operable?