I would check the upper control arm bushings. These are known for noise and looseness clunking issues. Remove the two bolts that hold the arm to the upper ball joint. You can check the bushings for smooth travel and 0 play. Be sure to tighten those bolts and use red loctite. These bolts have a tendency to loosen. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of John Lauterbach
Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 12:19 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Upper ball jont noise and symptoms

What does a worn upper ball joint sound like?  Have sound like a worn
rubber bushing from right side of van every time van goes over slightest
bump, etc.  Does not happen on sharp left turns.  I thought I had loose
shock absorber, but upper shock absorber nut is tight.  If I have bad
ball joint, what can happen if I do not get to it for a few weeks?

Lower ball joints done a few years ago, but was told upper ones okay and
unused ball joints returned to me by shop that did work.

John
'84 Vagon 7-passenger