clunking noise

[fordboi415]

im having some problems with my rear end, i heard a faint clunk while driving to work and didnt think much of it, then when i got home i tried to pull into my driveway and while turning sharply i heard a really loud clunking noise comming from the rear and now even when im not turning it makes thas same noise just not as bad as when i do turn, i have a 7.5 limited slip, with 3.73 gears and its a 2001 3.0 ranger 2wd lifted with 31s, i also noticed fluid leaking around the bottom of the cover, i need help asap any would be great

 

[2ranger87]

I think you just answered your own question....

Pull the cover and look inside. Spider gears maybe?

 

[srteach]

If it happens on acceleration and braking only, then this is a known issue that ford has issued a tech service bulletin about. The driveline could be inadequately lubed. the TSB is for 98-01 ford ranger driveline.
the TSB says to take apart the driveline spline joint, clean it, lube it, and reassemble it. It is still a temporary fix, though.
If you do this, be sure to mark and index the drive before taking the joint apart. the driveline is balanced as one piece, and needs to go back together exactly as it came apart.

 

[4x4junkie]

I think you just answered your own question....

Pull the cover and look inside. Spider gears maybe?

^^I agree with this.


"Really loud clunk" does not at all match up with the symptoms of a slipshaft needing lube.

 

[fordboi415]

li was gunna just go to pick a part and get an 8.8 out of an explorer and swap my axle out, i dont really have the tools to do any work on my axle myself and i find just replacing the axle much cheaper and less of a hassle, should i take it to the shop or just replace the rearend and if i take it to the shop is it going to cost me an arm and a leg

 

[metalmacguyver]

Doing the spider gears doesnt take any special tools. diff cover bolts, one 8mm bolt that holds the crosspin in and the spider gears are out.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

being a v6 and an extended cab, you should have an 8.8 in back...might want to double check before you buy any parts.

either way you need to pull the cover off and check things out. something has grenaded inside the diff. and you wont know for sure until its open.

 

[fordboi415]

its a 7.5 the tag on the alxle says its a 7.5 ltd slip 373

 

[Shran]

An 8.8 out of an explorer will NOT be a bolt in swap. First and foremost you have to convert it from spring-under-axle to spring-over, unless you want to drop your ranger about 4".

At any rate, pull the cover and redo the gasket. It's leaking anyway. Look for metal shards and shavings in the gear oil.

 

[4x4junkie]

being a v6 and an extended cab, you should have an 8.8 in back...might want to double check before you buy any parts.

Pretty sure that's only a '98up 4x4 thing. His is 2WD.

Agreed though, spiders are dirt-simple. Just check that the broken parts didn't do damage to anything else in there.

 

[fordboi415]

well boys i broke two teeth off the pinion gear and for some reason the pin that holds the spider gears in is hitting my pinion gear so im screwed i gotta go have it rebuilt, but anyone know why the pin for the spyder gears is hitting my pinion gear? oh and its the side of the pin opposite from the side that has the 8mm bolt holding it in

 

[4x4junkie]

Is the bolt or the pin itself broken?

 

[fordboi415]

yup the pin was split and the pinion was missing several teeth, but instead of rebuilding my weak 7.5 and having high gears i just got a reconditioned 8.8 from and 05 ranger 4x4 and now ive got myself a set of 4.10s