the tump from the front end could possibly be a brake related issue but sounds more like a problem with one of you constant velocity (CV) axles, not a cheap fix but as far as problems go one of the cheaper ones.

CV HALFSHAFT (REMANUFACTURED) for a
1999 FORD CONTOUR
LEFT HAND SIDE (SITTING INSIDE VEHICLE) (Change)
WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (Change)
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (Change)
Core:$60.00 Price:$69.99

CV HALFSHAFT (REMANUFACTURED) for a
1999 FORD CONTOUR
RIGHT HAND SIDE (SITTING INSIDE VEHICLE) (Change)
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (Change)
Core:$60.00 Price:$99.99

99 ATX Contour 130k w/ a 21k tranny freshly installed Secret Project in the works
Originally posted by unknown:
Never argue with an idiot, ppl may not be able to tell the difference between you.