The little shock is behind the water pump pulley a tad and is 20 bucks.

The rubber gasket (at the top shock eye) gets dry and cracks. Then it's metal on metal = the clacking/rattling sound. Some people take the top bolt out and slide a rubber washer between the shock eye and mating surface. I did that first and it muffled the sound. Then it got brittle too and the sound came back.

I put the shock in after that and it's been quiet since. The old one was worn OUT.

The way to test is with a large screw driver, breaker bar etc. Whatever you can get down there. Locate the shock (flashlight might help), then start the car. CAREFULLY slide the scewdriver down and pry it against the shock. Try it a couple of different ways. If the noise stops...then there is the problem. It gets quiet real quick.

Does the sound stay constant no matter what? Or just on start up?