it's easy to accidentally install the upper spring perch (touches top of spring) at the wrong rotation relative to the upper mount, because the "out" arrows aren't always obvious and sometimes are missing! If this is installed wrong (sounds like it might be) then you will get exactly that - a grinding or crunch noise when steering all the way to one side. you'll also feel the steering get slightly tighter during the last 1/2 rotation of the wheel going to that side.
dude... not everyone has the money to replace stuff just "while you're in there". personally i only replace things when they are broken or are showing signs that they're about to break. i have never replaced upper strut mounts on any car except the gen4s that had the TSB for them - i did a ton of those at work.Strut mounts are fine. There is no clunking.