Very loud bang going into 4X4 (not normal clunk)

2006 Sequoia:
I traveled about 500 miles into increasingly cold weather( Michigan U.P.). I put truck into 4X4. It started a rapid flash. I went off road to find camp. when reversing with steering cranked all the way to the right the front end made a loud bang. Other people though I hit a tree, some thought I hit another vehicle. Now the truck front end feels loose and noisy like a bad ball joint(s).

Might not be related to 4X4??

Funny thing is that it did go in 4X4 and now goes in and out just fine.

What would make such a loud noise? I assumed it was front differential exploding but I made it home (another 500 miles) with no issue. And it does go in and out of 4X4 with usual clunk.

Can a ball joint fail and make that loud of a noise?

Temps around 30 degrees. I replaced front diff and transfer case fluid last week.