Clunking and loose driveshaft?

[bigjerm]

Hello,

I just got my 2001 ranger 4x4 out of the trans shop after getting a rebuild, but now am noticing a clunk when coming to a slow stop, as well as a whirring noise when accelerating. I crawled underneath and checked the the driveshaft and it seems to have quite a bit of play. Could this be the cause of the clunking, and would having the u joints replaced be a fix?

thanks.

 

[srteach]

Yes, it could cause the clunking. If the slip joint was taken apart and incorrectly reassembled, that could cause the whirring / humming (an out of balance / out of timing situation).
Having the ujoints replaced may fix it, especially if the shaft is balanced at the same time.
You did know that there is a Tech Service Bulletin on the driveline for that year, didn't you? It has to do with a clunk when starting and stopping.

 

[bigjerm]

Hi, thanks for replying. I didn't know anything about a tsb for this truck. Although, i just acquired it from a friend who apparently drove it into the ground, and i should've have checked out the car better before making the deal. Does the tsb apply only to the original owner? Or could i still take it to a ford dealer for the clunk? I had a friend who is a fairly decent mechanic look at it. He had me put it in neutral while he checked the driveshaft and said that it had way too much play, but didn't provide a suggestion for a fix as he was in a hurry.

 

[bigjerm]

Well, im being told that the play in the driveshaft is in my rear dif and that I should be on the look out for a new third member. Does this sound like a possibility for the play in the driveshaft, and maybe the clunking? The dealer ran my vin and didn't find any tsb related to my truck. Also, where could I find the specs on the third member for my particular truck, 2001 Ranger v6 4x4?

thanks

 

[srteach]

There is a TSB that tells you how to fix the clunk. if it doesn't apply, then look elsewhere. It applies as long as the truck is under warranty, so probably won't be paid for, but it is easy to do.
In the tech pages here on the site (accessible from the main page) there is a section on axles. It will help you find what is in your truck. Check the drivers door tag to see what the original axle was. Then see if there is a tag on the differential housing under one of the cover bolts. The tag might tell you what the axle actually is. Decode it on the tech pages.
I would look for an 8.8 limited slip rear axle geared the same as the front axle (important) in good condition, no matter what is currently in your truck.
I'm nowhere near you, so I hope this info helps.

 

[bigjerm]

Thanks it's very helpful. Is there a tag on the front axel that has info about its specs? Also, i just found a rear dif with this description---8.8" Trac Lok Limited Slip Differential for Ford Rear Axles including All Mustang GT

Application:

Fits all Mustangs 8.8" Rear ends

28 Spline Rear Track Lok Differential for Ford Mustangs and other Ford vehicles with 8.8 rear end. Features plate type clutches. Direct replacement must use friction modifier when installing. uses 28 spline axles (stock)

Could this work in my 4x4? Sorry if i'm repetitive. Im a bigtime newbie. Thanks

Hmm..from what i could gather from the tech pages a 2001 4x4 with a rear dif gear ratio of 4.10, would be an exception having a 31 spline axle. Somebody who knows what they're doing(unlike me)may be helpful im seeing. thanks

 

[srteach]

I can't tell you for sure, but I believe it will work. You need someone near you to make a final decision. I believe the shaft number is the number of axle splines. 31 is stronger, 28 will work. Regardless the rear axle gearing ABSOLUTELY MUST be the same gearing as the front axle or there will be big problems when in 4WD.
I don't know if the axle listed is spring over or spring under. Your ranger should be spring over (the axle). If the advertised axle is spring under, there will be technical setup and welding involved. Check the tech pages on the site.
Just so you know, the differential and axle are one piece. It's not a third member setup.

I don't remember if the front axle has a tag with it, but the axle type should be on the drivers' side door sticker if the axle is original.

 

[bigjerm]

when you say that the differential and axle are one piece, does that mean that if the parts in the differential are shot, i need to replace the entire rear axle assembly? sorry im pretty clueless.

 

[claws69]

I am also having issues with my 2003 ranger edge 2wd short bed driveshaft. I have gone through a couple u joints in the back part of the shaft and the last shop said my yokes on the shaft and rear end are bent. How can this happen on a street truck that is a daily driver, never used for towing or beat on. and only has 30000 miles on it? What is the best and or cheapest way to fix this. the truck has almost no rust on it either worth getting fixed for sure