1987 ford ranger STX with rear axle problem?

[andrewg123]

i have a 1987 2.8 L v-6 STX. There is a knocking near the rear axle. at first we thought that it was the driveshast and after replacing that, the knocking was still there. we then looed at the u-joints and they are fine too...Help

 

[andrewg123]

does anybody have ideas? we've narrowed it down to something with the axle

 

[90rangersuper]

when do you get the noise, certain speeds, ect, remember to jack the truck up to check the u joints, ifs theres pressure on the joint you wont be able to tell, checked mine without jackin up the truck looked good, as soon as i jacked it up the joint moved about a 1/4 inch each way

 

[enginepaul]

I'm not sure what a knock is, but it is most likely a bearing. Check the axle bearings when you re-check the U-joints.

 

[andrewg123]

the noise is there as soon as you start rolling. when jacking the rear of the truck up the rear wheels move in/outward about 1/4 inch.

 

[enginepaul]

I've worked on a few rear ends, but not on these Ranger ones, but it sounds like bearings.

In general, Ford rear ends can run forever if they aren't abused and kept lubed. The outer bearings were the only thing I ever had problems with so I'd start there.

Get a manual to repair it yourself, or get another rear , just check the seals.