RBV Round 2!

[the.hagop]

Hey all,
Just got my second RBV, 05 Ranger XLT, 5-speed-4wd . Named him Leroy. (old b4000 is Cliff (as in Claven), who got to drive around the block a couple times today after sitting for a week) I read something along the lines of "4.0 in front of an automatic...booo!!", probably here but not sure, point is, now I know why! Just have a few of questions regarding little things I've noticed in the week I've had it. By the way, this is my first 4x4 so I'm learning as I go. Knowledge level regarding vehicle mechanics = experienced novice. (if that makes any sense)

1. Mid-range to low pitched sound when in 2nd gear (moving/not moving, clutch in/out doesn't matter, just whenever the trans. is in 2nd gear. No other gears produce the same sound. No vibrations that I can feel, just sound. Any ideas?

2. Light vibration (I mean just enough to notice it) when letting off throttle at normal speed (40mph - freeway speeds). Doesn't affect the drive at all, everything still under control, no excessive shaking or anything.

3. 4x4 seems to work fine, only tested on road, haven't been blessed with a chance to play in the dirt yet. Anything I should be looking/listening for?

Just wanna add in, and not trying to kiss ass here... I ain't that guy, but TRS has helped me with so much on my B4000. Thanks to everyone here it was my reliable daily driver and mule when needed. Towing hauling capability of these little trucks is incredible. It's fun to pull up to next to a Tundra with a comparable load in the bed or a trailer and see their beds sagging worse than mine. Haha, I kid you not.

 

[getrdone52]

1. Mid-range to low pitched sound when in 2nd gear (moving/not moving, clutch in/out doesn't matter, just whenever the trans. is in 2nd gear. No other gears produce the same sound. No vibrations that I can feel, just sound. Any ideas?

2. Light vibration (I mean just enough to notice it) when letting off throttle at normal speed (40mph - freeway speeds). Doesn't affect the drive at all, everything still under control, no excessive shaking or anything.

3. 4x4 seems to work fine, only tested on road, haven't been blessed with a chance to play in the dirt yet. Anything I should be looking/listening for?

1. I don't know. Maybe your truck is just talking to ya

2. Ya mine does the same thing. I wouldn't worry about it too much though. If it gets worse over time you may want to look at it. Its a truck not a Cadillac lol. There's always gunna some noise or vibration.

3. It's kinda hard to tell just on pavement. Have you done the turn test yet where it jumps a little?

Oh, and

 

[RangerRyan]

I like the

Knowledge level regarding vehicle mechanics = experienced novice. (if that makes any sense)

I'm the same way. I know enough to get into trouble but not enough to get out but luckily my dad's an "Old Ford Mechanic" I always call him to figure it out.

 

[the.hagop]

Thanks for the reply,

Yes to #3, its more or less how I gauged if it was actually working. Went into 4 low (after stopping of course), crawled nice and steady.

As far as the noise and vibration, not really worried per se but curious. Cliff was full of fun noises. Some include worn push-rods/lifters, worn front suspension/bushings, body mounts, deer-impact scar up front (cosmetic) (**edit: that deer scar doesn't make noise, just thought I'd throw it in there for perspective haha) Shimmies and shakes through every drive, I started calling them all features after a while. It has never failed ca smog checks, doesn't burn any significant amount of oil, starts every time, drives straight, hauls/pulls without any problems what-so-ever. That truck hooked me on these vehicles.

Both trucks are stock from factory, but ill get some pics up.

 

[the.hagop]

I like the

I'm the same way. I know enough to get into trouble but not enough to get out but luckily my dad's an "Old Ford Mechanic" I always call him to figure it out.

Haha, just glad to see someone could relate to it.

 

[nine-teen91stxranger]

i think #2 may be your U-joints

 

[the.hagop]

U-Joints

Thanks for that, I will check for sure. Found this, http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=134134 , exhibits some of the listed symptoms. Gotta love a 30-day dealer warrantee haha!

 

[the.hagop]

Interesting...

Okay, a few updates on the truck. Just a few things inevitably noticed over time with a daily driver.

-driver door sticks some and seems worse when the weather is hot. It was 98-100 here today, had to pull unreasonably harder to get it open. Of course there is also a noise and a noticeable misalignment of some sort when closing also.

-horn button/air bag compartment cover is tweaked.

-Clunk/Noise in steering wheel easily noticeable at low speeds. Does it constantly and it seems to be getting worse. I've gotten to the point where I know when it's doing it at speed without being able to hear it. It doesn't seem to affect handling but I'm not a fan of clunking when dealing with a vehicle. Took it back to the dealer ship twice, first time; "could not duplicate customer concern", second time (out of warranty but covered due to same issue), greased collapsing joint in intermediate shaft. Noise gone, clunk dampened for a whole 4 hours and then back to it.

-Missing mud guard for engine compartment on driver side

-Truck has been completely repainted (poorly). Paint on rear leafs, tailgate cables, frame.

****

I'm having a bit of trouble believing this truck wasn't wrecked anymore. I was shown a clean maintenance record (not "carfax" if that matters, it was their own I think), didn't show any accidents. Any ideas?

 

[the.hagop]

Crap...My Bad - Pics

Here you go:

 

[straycat]

Hey all,
Just got my second RBV, 05 Ranger XLT, 5-speed-4wd . Named him Leroy. (old b4000 is Cliff (as in Claven), who got to drive around the block a couple times today after sitting for a week) I read something along the lines of "4.0 in front of an automatic...booo!!", probably here but not sure, point is, now I know why! Just have a few of questions regarding little things I've noticed in the week I've had it. By the way, this is my first 4x4 so I'm learning as I go. Knowledge level regarding vehicle mechanics = experienced novice. (if that makes any sense)

1. Mid-range to low pitched sound when in 2nd gear (moving/not moving, clutch in/out doesn't matter, just whenever the trans. is in 2nd gear. No other gears produce the same sound. No vibrations that I can feel, just sound. Any ideas?

2. Light vibration (I mean just enough to notice it) when letting off throttle at normal speed (40mph - freeway speeds). Doesn't affect the drive at all, everything still under control, no excessive shaking or anything.

3. 4x4 seems to work fine, only tested on road, haven't been blessed with a chance to play in the dirt yet. Anything I should be looking/listening for?

Just wanna add in, and not trying to kiss ass here... I ain't that guy, but TRS has helped me with so much on my B4000. Thanks to everyone here it was my reliable daily driver and mule when needed. Towing hauling capability of these little trucks is incredible. It's fun to pull up to next to a Tundra with a comparable load in the bed or a trailer and see their beds sagging worse than mine. Haha, I kid you not.

Where are the pics. This thread is usless without pics, Bro!!!!

 

[jhammel85]

Glad we were able to help you out! Looks good too btw.

 

[nine-teen91stxranger]

uhh... those look like two completely different trucks

 

[MJ'sBlkBII]

uhh... those look like two completely different trucks

1 is the old B-series and the other the new Ranger.

 

[the.hagop]

Narrowed down front end clunk

Sorry, I know this is an old post, but....

Looks like it's the front right side axle causing the clunk/knock I'm feeling in the wheel. Last week when I was changing the front brake pads** , I noticed I could grab the inner part of the C/V axle and move it in and out roughly 1/4" to 1/2" and when I did, I could hear an eerily similar noise to what I hear while I drive coming from inside the diff/axle housing. So I'm thinking about 98% sure that this is the source of my noise and knock. Found a video on PooTube that exhibits the exact movement action I'm getting here.

My logic: as the suspension travels up and down, the C/V axle moves in and out much more than it should due to whatever is loose/broken inside the housing and something is physically hitting something else it shouldn't be hitting. I came across this really old post at explorerforum and it seems to be and EXACT match for my issue and pretty much confirms what I was thinking. The axle seal seems to have worn out because of this and now has a noticeable leak, not to mention the noise has become more frequent and somewhat louder with a groaning sound when cranking the wheel to the left. So before I get to wrenching, I wanted to post here and see what you fine folks thought.


I've opted for the DIY approach as I'm pretty much broke, good at following directions out of a Haynes manual and well, it's just plain fun.

** Also found why my truck pulled HARD to the left whenever I had to get heavy on the brakes (at least I think), passenger side brake pad had some sort of oily deposit impregnated in the ceramic in three spots, I ran my finger across it and at each spot my finger slipped right over it even when applying pressure. Scary stuff, no? Anyone ever encountered that before? New pads to both sides now, pull when braking is GONE!

Gotta say, I've learned quite a bit over the last year. Was mad at the situation at first but now, not so much because knowledge is power when avoiding labor costs!

Anyhoo, thanks ahead of time.

 

[the.hagop]

Bump

Really hope I didn't break a forum rule by reviving an old thread...