03 Level II trans tunnel rattling sound

[YousefFX4Lvl2]

Hi guys, so I have an 03 Level 2 with the manual trans/manual transfer case combo. Have not driven it much since I just rebuilt the engine, and the only time I drove it prior to the rebuild was when I drove it home from the sellers house. I’ve noticed it makes a rattling noise coming from under the transmission tunnel, audible inside the truck while driving. It makes a sound anytime the truck is rolling, regardless of the gear, clutch position, rpm, etc. The only factor that affects it is how fast the truck is moving. Has anyone else experienced this? I’m inclined to say it’s the front driveshaft, but the front U joint is very tight, and i’m not sure how much play in the CV joint that goes to the transfer case is acceptable. I’m also thinking it could be the transfer case. What are some things I should check? Transmission fluid looked fine also. Looked old, but not too bad and no big metal shavings (just a tiny bit of normal fine shavings on the magnet).

 

[franklin2]

Lightly press on the brake pedal with your left foot, while pressing the gas with your right foot. As you are moving does the rattle go away when putting a little pressure on the brakes? If so, it may be one of your brake calipers or brake pads rattling in the bracket.