2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4X4 Re: Vibration/thumping like sound. Drivers front

Someone mentioned the transfer case. Someone responded to that inquiry… They said it probably wasn't the transfer case that would lead to a specific side being affected, but that it COULD be the U-joint in the drive axle. Would that be the U-joint that couples the transfer case to the "short shaft"? If so, if I remove the short shaft, should the vibration/thumping stop? Any input will be greatly appreciated!

U joint doesn't make a thumping sound but it can cause a vibration. Transfer case is on the back of the transmission. Vibration could also come from a bad tire, bent rim, a front end problem. Or bad axle coming from a axle going into front differential

I would have suspected tires(for it could be the rear cross corner tire that is causing the problem. Let the tire guys hear your story because it sounds like a tire bulge. Stuff happens… Like belts break.
.It is that or let some other suspension shop such as a wheel alignment shop take a look underneath>ALWAYS tell them the story first… Then they know if it is in their area of expertise or not. Either they can help or they can't… And would rather help a customer who really would benefit from their mechanical repair.