1996 Ranger 4x4 4.0 5sp making strange metallic crinkling noise

[Miket1959]

My Ranger makes a weird metallic crinkling noise when in 4 wheel drive. While moving slowly it sounds like sheet metal is crinkling up. I've looked under at the front end area but don't see anything. It does it every time you go to move. Cant figure it out. Anyone have any idea where to look. It drives fine with no noise in 2 wd

 

[scotts90ranger]

One of your front U joints has rust where grease should be and probably has metal shards where rollers should be , BTDT...

 

[Curious Hound]

Yeah. Front u-joints are a likely suspect. Also make sure no debris is stuck anywhere rubbing on drive shafts.