possible clunk in axle upon acceleration

[texasranger]

Hi...2000 Ranger/3.0/auto/4x4...I think this is an axle problem, but I'll describe it the best I can and let you experts decide. When I am moving out from a dead stop, there are two felt clunks. If I start out real slow there is only one, but then give it a little more throttle and there is the other clunk. Upon stopping, just as the truck stops, there is also a felt clunk. Shouldn't even call it a clunk, as there is no noise, but I don't know how else to describe it. I disconnected the rear sway bar, and the problem was less noticeable, as it did not transfer to the frame as readily as before.
The truck had nearly 140,000 miles when I got it, but is very clean and was apparently a well cared for commuter. It's over 150,000 now, and the problem doesn't seem to get worse, it's just unnerving. Sure keeps me from accelerating hard from a stop, for fear of breaking something.
I'll await any input you may have.
Thanks

 

[Hahnsb2]

Check the u joints and slip joint on the driveshaft.

 

[projectnitemare]

There are a few things you can check. Does your truck have a carrier bearing in the driveshaft? If so, push around on the driveshaft near the bearing; there should be no play. Also check your u-joints. Replacing the u-joints might solve your problem. Changing the diff oil won't solve any problems but is can indicate if there is one, lots of shavings and chunks are bad. Look inside and check the gears, and chips or broken teeth are bad. Look over your leaf springs. I've found noises caused by cracked springs, wasted bushings and rotted out hangers. I'd try the u-joints first.

Matt

 

[4x4junkie]

No driveshaft carrier bearing on a '00

First thing I would check is the driveshaft slip-spline.
Pull it apart and slather it liberally with a Moly CV joint grease, and see if that fixes the problem.

 

[Jspafford]

No driveshaft carrier bearing on a '00

First thing I would check is the driveshaft slip-spline.
Pull it apart and slather it liberally with a Moly CV joint grease, and see if that fixes the problem.

Ditto, that will almost certanly fix your problem.

 

[4Banger]

No driveshaft carrier bearing on a '00

First thing I would check is the driveshaft slip-spline.
Pull it apart and slather it liberally with a Moly CV joint grease, and see if that fixes the problem.

Ya this should fix it. It is common in the newer rangers.

 

[texasranger]

Alright, guys....thanks for the good help. The springs, bushings and u-joints seem real tight and in good shape. I do need to service the axles, but I will definitely pull that driveshaft out and check the slip yoke splines. Thanks again.

 

[Jspafford]

It is said to be only a problem on Extended Cab trucks - per the ford TSB.

I have a 1999 Regular cab and it is just as much a problem on that truck as it was on my 2001 ext cab.

 

[Danger FX4 Ranger]

Any luck fixing your problem, Texas Ranger? My FX4 does the same upon acceleration. I took it into the local Mercury/Lincoln dealership (they do warranty work too), and they said they couldn't find any problems. Would be nice to have the problem fixed.

 

[texasranger]

Hopefully by this time tomorrow I'll log in with some good news about that. I won't have time to fix it before then. But I'll definitely let you know how it turns out.

 

[texasranger]

Success!

Pulled the driveshaft today and found two surprises. First, it was clean and well greased in the slip-yoke. Secondly, the splines are coated with some type of material (plastic?), not sure what it is, but it's blue, and it changes the overall diameter of the male portion of the yoke. Apparently, it's the outer edges of the splines that bind in the yoke, even if it's not had any water intrusion or anything. So...wiped it off, greased it up REAL GOOD and put it back together. No more binding or clunking! Thanks, you guys are awesome.

 

[4x4junkie]

I think that blue stuff on it is to dampen noise.

Glad you got it fixed.

 

[Jspafford]

Yeah there is usually grease left on it, sometimes it just stops..well being slippery.

 

[ryan_88]

texasranger, i think i am having the same problem. i sent you a PM.