Clunking/grinding noise inside can. Transmission?

[HTX2000xlt4x4.0]

I recently purchased a 2000 xlt 4x4 4.0l ranger with automatic transmission and 127k miles on the clock. I have started to notice a strange clunking or grinding or whining noise coming from the front end. I originally thought it was the bearing/hubs but the more I drive it the more I notice it coming from beneath the center console area or directly above where the tranny is underneath. The noise only happens when the truck is moving. It stops when the truck is stopped. And I can’t really hear it from outside with the windows down can basically only hear it inside the cab of the truck. I’m not a mechanic by any means but swapping the hubs and bearings I can handle. Transmission issues I nor my wallet cannot. I’ve scoured hundred of threads but nothing people are describing sounds quite like what I’m hearing from mine. Hoping someone can chime in with a lead.

 

[black_demon69]

Start by checking fluids in transfer case and front and rear differential. Check u joints and carrier bearing if it has a split drive shaft

 

[HTX2000xlt4x4.0]

I checked the fluid in my transfer case. It looked clear didn’t have any smells or anything. It was actually over filled and some came pouring out of the fill hole.
Haven’t gotten into the differentials yet.
As far as the u joints and carrier bearings im not sure what I’m looking for. I grabbed the shaft and pushed it bag and forth. There was not movement or play. However when I turned it, it did turn. Not sure if that is just a normal thing or not.

 

[HTX2000xlt4x4.0]

maybe it’s the cv axels? It’s driving me nuts. The noise isn’t super loud but I am wanting to take the truck down the padre island national seashore where 4x4 is required and getting stranded would be really really bad. It’s 30+ miles of loose sand to the exit of the park and it’s kind of what I bought the truck for. I’ll change all the fluids before that time but for now just driving it to work to get a feel for what it might need and this noise seems to be about all that is unusual.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

t-case should have red ATF in it IIRC... it shouldn't be clear.

 

[HTX2000xlt4x4.0]

Yea it was red. Sorry didn’t mean it was clear clear. Just that it wasn’t dark and fouled looking.