hi when i turn my steering wheel all the way to the left i hear a cracking sound. like something is broken. a quick look under doesn't show anything hanging or visually broken. what can this be?

 

Take a good look at the steering linkage. You probably have some bushings or joints that are worn out and need to be replaced.

 

such as the steering rach, inner and out tie rods? to replace the front shocks do i have to remove the rotor?

 

All of your tie rod connections, your idler arm and pitman arm should be checked. Basically wherever there is rubber. Check out the sticky on steering suspension - it has a very good diagram.

Not sure if you have to remove the rotors to replace the front shocks.