Help with ID'ing a terrible noise in 4x4 only.

[jwest7788]

This video should help explain way better than I can via text:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufJI7SCSV6k



Only in 4H and 4L, sounds fine in 2H

Side note, got a winch hidden mounted - alot of custom fab and also rlocated all the winch innards:

https://imgur.com/a/RqZUS

 

[97RangerXLT]

I would look at the u Joints in the front drive shaft and the cv joints on the front axle.

Jack up the front end and with the truck in 2h, hand turn the front drive shaft to see if you can feel the clunking in the shaft.

AJ

 

[Pauls 4x4]

Gave it a listen. Sounds like an axle is clacking something. Could be a u joint on the driveshaft or the inner CV joints ( they only turn in 4x). Sounds like front end on the video, but from inside the cab its hard to identify. From outside would be easier.

You can probably grab them parts and shake em to find it. Drive line for sure at least.

 

[jwest7788]

Thanks guys,

re:noise - It's definitely front end, good call on that.

Also, only in 4x4, so makes sense for front end noise. I'm sweating that it might be the T-case, but wont know for sure till I get her up on stands..

 

[don4331]

'03 Ranger, right?

Then front hubs/axle/driveshaft are connected 24/7, so front end issue would be there all the time.

I would more suspect t-case chain as they get worn by the constant motion...

 

[jwest7788]

'03 Ranger, right?

Then front hubs/axle/driveshaft are connected 24/7, so front end issue would be there all the time.

I would more suspect t-case chain as they get worn by the constant motion...

Yep, 03 fx4II

 

[jwest7788]

Found the issue - Front drive shaft.

Had to replace the front drive shaft over the weekend. Once I had the truck on stands, it only took 10 minutes of feeling around to find that the driveshaft boot was cracked, smelled terribly of burning dirt and grease, and was flopping around pretty hopelessly.

She was right buggered. At the end of the day, got a new shaft from a local pick your part. The whole fix cost $45, and a few hours. ($20 of which was to take my buddy out for a meal for helping. The part was only $15 due to having some store credit that even I had forgotten about)

Good call guys, more than one of you thought driveshaft, spot on.

I'm pretty stoked it wasn't the T-case, differential, or anything else too expensive.

JW

 

[97RangerXLT]

Glad to hear it was cheap and easy. Thanks for the follow up

AJ

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 4 while sitting in my underwear