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Check your frame where the suspension brackets attach in front. I have a 2003 dodge van and the frame is rusted real bad. The popping noise may be your steering or suspension parts rubbing, that's how I found out my frame was rusted and had to be welded..
just an additional thought, front tires wearing oddly may help give a clue as well... Also don't neglect to check the strut rod bushings! They often are overlooked and will (pop and make those sounds) because the bushings wear as they get older and will actually spin loosley on the upper end of the rod by the frame mount, They should be tight, similar to a shock bushing