98 E320 mystery front end noise with new clue

[nckmsn]

For sometime I have been unable to locate the source of my front end noise. The best way to describe it is a clunking noise as though something is loose in the front end. I have checked for play in everything but haven't found the source.

I have noticed that the sounds happens more often on rough roads and when going over a manhole or something similiar.

The clue new clue is that I changed the front end shocks today and the noise got much worse. Can anyone guide me? I would think that I would easily see play in the front end with such a pronounced noise. I think that the fact that new more responsive shock has made the sound louder should point someone in the right direction.

Thanks in advance for any help