97 Ranger (Noise)

[zrange97]

hey guys,

i have a 97 4.0 4wd ranger

i have been replacing parts constantly

i replaced the front HUBS, then U-Joints

i now have a noise when i turn (gets louder with increase in speed)

my truck got a free inspection at pep-boys the other day and the guy showed me the things wrong with it.

my drive-train center support bearing is really worn out
(i can move the drive shaft up and down and side to side)

another thing is my front lower ball joints.
(when jacked up i can tilt the front wheels in at the top)

any idea what one it more likely is?

is it still ok to drive it?

any input is appreciated

Thanks Zach

 

[twigboy3]

probably the ball joints when turning and the other is when u r increasing speed its making your drive shaft to makenoise when you fix that bearing make sure your drivee line is not warped

 

[zrange97]

how do you make sure the drive line is not warped?

 

[Guilius]

before i swapped to a once piece driveshaft, the carrioer bearing in my 95 ranger was completely shot....and i mean SHOT.
it takes alot to "warp" the driveshaft, but you can do some damage in the transmission from this problem.

replacing the carrioer bearing is a pain in the ASS too..... not only removing it from the crossmember but removing it from the driveshaft........

as for ball joints....theyre not too bad to replace at all. if i were you i would do all of them while the knuckle is out. why bother replacing one or two then 6 months or so having to redo it again......
replaced my balljoints 2 years ago, and did a TON of offroading (not kind to it in any way) and theyre still nice and tight.

 

[zrange97]

lol ok thanks man ill do that!