99 Ranger whines

[jhknight56072]

Last year I aquired a 1999 Ford Ranger XLT supercab Offroad 4x4 with 4.0 v-6 and automatic with the 4x4 selector knob, and 130,000 miles. The truck is in absolutely fantastic condition exept for an annoying whine that seems to come up between the cab and box at around 55mph. This is most noticeable with the rear slider window open and the fiberglass topper seems to amplify the sound. IT's a high pitched whine I hear on the highway which I just keep the rear window closed and the stereo on so I don't hear it. What I want to know is what exactly this is and how serious is it? Should I be ignoring it? I'm guessing it's the transfer case and yes I checked it for fluid level which is fine. It is a loud whine and I worry it 's serious. any ideas?

 

[exbass94]

The first thing I would check is rear differential fluid. Other than that I don't know what it could be.

 

[Jspafford]

Is there any vibration associated with the noise? It could be something out of balance, but it would cause a vibration if so.

 

[jhknight56072]

I didn't check the rear axle, will do. thanks

 

[Bruce]

Does the noise come and go as you accelerate and decelerate?? Does it get louder at higher speeds or lower speeds?

 

[FL_forlife33]

this is an old thread...

Last year I aquired a 1999 Ford Ranger XLT supercab Offroad 4x4 with 4.0 v-6 and automatic with the 4x4 selector knob, and 130,000 miles. The truck is in absolutely fantastic condition exept for an annoying whine that seems to come up between the cab and box at around 55mph. This is most noticeable with the rear slider window open and the fiberglass topper seems to amplify the sound. IT's a high pitched whine I hear on the highway which I just keep the rear window closed and the stereo on so I don't hear it. What I want to know is what exactly this is and how serious is it? Should I be ignoring it? I'm guessing it's the transfer case and yes I checked it for fluid level which is fine. It is a loud whine and I worry it 's serious. any ideas?

but i have the same thing. i have a 3.0 though. the only thing it's not really a "high-pitched" whine. high-pitch means like a whistle or a piercing sound. mine is a drone. just droning when i get to about 50 and above. i can make it die down as i let off the gas. if i shift to neutral and rev, no noise. so it's the drivetrain for sure. i'm worried my tranny is about to go. i've already taken off the rear diff. cover and inspected gear, no broken teeth or chunks of metal. filled with fluid and posi mix, and sealed up. same noise.

any ideas?

 

[FL_forlife33]

this is an old thread...

Last year I aquired a 1999 Ford Ranger XLT supercab Offroad 4x4 with 4.0 v-6 and automatic with the 4x4 selector knob, and 130,000 miles. The truck is in absolutely fantastic condition exept for an annoying whine that seems to come up between the cab and box at around 55mph. This is most noticeable with the rear slider window open and the fiberglass topper seems to amplify the sound. IT's a high pitched whine I hear on the highway which I just keep the rear window closed and the stereo on so I don't hear it. What I want to know is what exactly this is and how serious is it? Should I be ignoring it? I'm guessing it's the transfer case and yes I checked it for fluid level which is fine. It is a loud whine and I worry it 's serious. any ideas?

but i have the same thing. i have a 3.0 though. the only thing it's not really a "high-pitched" whine. high-pitch means like a whistle or a piercing sound. mine is a drone. just droning when i get to about 50 and above. i can make it die down as i let off the gas. if i shift to neutral and rev, no noise. so it's the drivetrain for sure. i'm worried my tranny is about to go. i've already taken off the rear diff. cover and inspected gear, no broken teeth or chunks of metal. filled with fluid and posi mix, and sealed up. same noise.

any ideas?