Noise from clutch area when in reverse and going down hill

[jcwhidby]

Good evening everyone. I have a 1997 Ford Ranger 2.3L 2WD with manual transmission. It is making a scraping or grinding noise when in reverse, when going forward down hill with the engine holding the truck back, and occasionally when turning hard, like coming out of my driveway onto the main road. You can hear the noise loud and clear when in the cab, it sounds like it is coming from the clutch area. It is very difficult to hear while walking along side the truck while someone else is driving and they can clearly hear the noise from inside the cab. The flywheel, clutch, pressure plate, pilot bearing, and throwout bearing were all recently replaced with good quality parts. I've checked everything I can think of and this one has me stumped. Looking for any suggestions, ideas, or recommendations before I bite the bullet and pull the transmission to inspect everything in there. Thanks in advance.

 

[SenorNoob]

Bad brakes?

 

[rusty ol ranger]

That almost sounds like an input bearing

 

[jcwhidby]

Continuing troubleshooting on this issue today. Drove the truck around and the noise is louder than before, both in reverse and any time the engine is holding the truck back, like when going down hill. Jacked the truck up and checked brakes and universal joints, no issues. Ran the truck up in speed in both forward and reverse and the noise is not present while jacked up. There is no noise from the clutch when shifting gears, when the clutch is released or when it is engaged unless in reverse or the engine is holding the truck back. Anything else I should check before pulling the transmission to see if it is the problem?

 

[jcwhidby]

Another update. It also makes this noise when turning hard to the left, but not when turning right.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Pivot bushings for the I beams? Radius arm bushings completely shot? My bet is on radius arm bushings or sway bar bushings...

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Wheel bearing? Noise on left turn usually indicates right side bearing or hub. Put front end up on stands and check.

 

[jcwhidby]

Pivot bushings for the I beams? Radius arm bushings completely shot? My bet is on radius arm bushings or sway bar bushings...

Thank you for the recommendation. How would this explain the noise in reverse or when the engine is holding the truck back?

 

[jcwhidby]

Wheel bearing? Noise on left turn usually indicates right side bearing or hub. Put front end up on stands and check.

Checked this, not the issue. Thanks for the suggestion.