Chattering sound off the line

[Iron Ranger]

I own a 92 Ranger 2.3 w/5sp. When I take off from a dead stop, more times than none there is a "chattering" sound coming from the bottom of the truck. It will do this when there is no momentum whatsoever, 1st gear, 2nd gear, don't matter, only from a dead stop. Could it be one of my U-joints? Or worst, could it be some thing from the clutch?

 

[MAKG]

Yes and yes.

Climb under the truck and articulate the driveshaft (you may have to remove it). If you have a two-piece shaft, check out the center bearing very carefully. Make sure neither the rear end flange nor the transmission/transfer case connection is floppy.

If everything else checks out, start looking at the clutch.