In another thread, I thought my 4wd was trying to engage causing noise at driver front wheel.
Others convinced me it was a wheel bearing, mainly because with my 2004 Ranger, the wheel and front drive shaft are always connected.
But the mystery to me is that this noise does not exist all the time.
The grinding/popping noise sometimes happens after I drive about 15-20 feet when first starting out.
So far, it has cleared itself up after I drive another 20 feet or so.
Years ago, I had a rear wheel bearing go out on a sedan.
The sound was like someone beating on the top of the car with a length of log chain . . . and it never went away. I had to drive with that noise for about 15 miles to nearest small city out in the middle of Nebraska.

Because a bad wheel bearing is not going to cure itself . . . I cannot understand how this noise does go away . . . even as it might (or might not) start again the next time I drive.

Thanks for any helpful comments.

My experience in 46 years of driving would not suggest a wheel bearing given your symptoms. Find the fuse that controls the 4wd and pull it. There may be a relay that goes with the fuse. Pull the relay first then try. If the noise is still there pull the fuse. Then see if the noise is there. Post what you find

Thanks for your comment.
However, it was a wheel bearing.
Very strange how it was not constant, but that was the problem and it was solved with a new wheel bearing.