Driveline noise

[Shadowranger]

2001 Ranger XLT 4.0 4WD has a driveline noise that will kill what's left of my hearing.
Has 141,000 mi. and it's had the u joints checked (not lately tho.) and timing chain replaced, lots of maintenance work done over the last 2-3 years .
At 35-40 mph the noise is loud. But it runs like a champ otherwise. Axles are ok on gear oil.
I'll be having the mechanics check it out but in the meantime any ideas? thanks

 

[rusty ol ranger]

2001 Ranger XLT 4.0 4WD has a driveline noise that will kill what's left of my hearing.
Has 141,000 mi. and it's had the u joints checked (not lately tho.) and timing chain replaced, lots of maintenance work done over the last 2-3 years .
At 35-40 mph the noise is loud. But it runs like a champ otherwise. Axles are ok on gear oil.
I'll be having the mechanics check it out but in the meantime any ideas? thanks

What kind of noise?

Grinding? Squeel? Humming?

 

[Shadowranger]

Humming. no grinding or squeal

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Humming. no grinding or squeal

My 97 F250 did this for a while and it turned out to be a broken accessory bracket on the engine.

Not saying thats your case.

Usually a hum indicates a bad wheel bearing. Espicially if the tone changes/goes away when cornering.

 

[Shadowranger]

The tone is mostly noticeable going straight down the road and seems to be coming from the front of the truck.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

The tone is mostly noticeable going straight down the road and seems to be coming from the front of the truck.

More then likely its a wheel bearing

 

[superj]

do some s turns going down the road and if the noise is almost gone when turning one way but comes back turning the other, its for sure a wheel bearing.

 

[Shadowranger]

I'll try that as soon as I get it back from the mechanic. Driver side valve cover gasket leaks oil and you know the crap that needs to be taken out of the way to get to it?
I can do the passenger side but not the driver's side. It's a nightmare if you haven't done it. Thanks--I'll be back.

 

[Shadowranger]

rusty ranger! Correct! Wheels bearings it is. Not the kind I could have done back in the day though. Complete assembly for both front axles with lug studs, etc.
$143. at Auto Zone, each. Wow.

 

[Curious Hound]

Glad you got the problem identified.