Clink, Clank or Clunk when truck takes off

[Ek49ten]

2003 Chevy Silverado 130k miles. Sorry if I'm asking 3 questions in the same thread but I'm not sure if they relate or not.

I've been doing some reading and think I have a good idea of the problem but it's a little different then everyone else's issue that I've come across. This truck is new to me as I just got it last month. I've noticed that when I take off from a stop I hear a noise coming from under the truck. It's pretty quiet and you probably wouldn't hear it if you had the windows up. I'm not sure how to describe it either. It's almost like hitting a piece of sheet metal on the edge with a hammer or something. After paying closer attention to it I also noticed that sometimes (not all the time) it feels like the drive-shaft is catching and/or a little loose and you get a small jolt after the clank. This doesn't happen all the time though. From what I've read it may be the u-joint or the joint that connects the drive-shaft? I'm not 100% though because most people say that they get some vibrations when they have that problem and I do not. Other then the noise and a little funky take of jolt every once in a while, the truck runs great. Like I said, it's not violent by any means but I'm thinking it's the beginning of a problem that I need to take care of now. I've never messed with the drive line so I don't really know where to start troubleshooting.

Two more things that may or may not be part of the above but are also on my mind.

The steering knuckle (that's what someone called it. hope that right) is making some groaning noises when the truck is moving. Pretty quiet and only happens when the suspension is moving. Is this something that just needs greased or replaced? I think I am seeing the knuckle when I look down at my peddles under the dash. It's the only thing that looks like a steering knuckle.

There is also a little play in the steering. Not real sure how to measure it but I'm going to guess at 1/2 inch of play. Not to bad (I've had worse cars) but it's annoying.

Any advice is helpful. Thanks in advance!

[crank.it]

hi ek- sorry for the wait....but the tinny sound may be the stainless sheilds that surround the plugs and are attached to the exaust manifold they get loose due to age and have a tinny ringing sound some times this is when their cold most of the time and usaully on start up....the sound from the under does sound like a u joint just starting to go....if 4 whell drive ckeck all the cv or axles....for looseness........crank.it