2002 ranger 2wd light front end clicking noise

I have a 2002 2wd Ford Ranger 4cyl with 87,000 mi. Over the past year I have noticed a light metal on metal tapping noise coming from the front end. The frequency of the noise has increased over time. It is very light and I can slightly feel it in the steering wheel. The noise cannot be heard with the windows down (the wind drowns it out). Last night I grabbed the front drivers side wheel from the top and shook it back and forth with a lot of effort. There was some play in the wheel which would correlate to the noise that I have been hearing. I have never serviced my wheel bearings (for the price of the seals compared to the price of the bearings I figured I would just wait and replace them when needed). The truck drives fine... no squeaking, vibrations, etc. My question is, does this sound like a lower ball joint or a wheel bearing issue? My wife hates the truck and wants me to sell it so the less money I spend on it the less steam she has to roll on. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

. Last night I grabbed the front drivers side wheel from the top and shook it back and forth with a lot of effort. There was some play in the wheel which would correlate to the noise that I have been hearing.

When you shook it, was it with your hands at 3 and 9 or 12 and 6 on a clock? I'd say it sounds like a wheel bearing, but where you had your hands when you shook the wheel would be more telling. Does the frequency/pitch change when you turn the wheel?