rear end noise

[elcaliente]

1998 ford ranger xlt 3.0 m5od 218000 mi noticed whenever I go over a sizeable bump in the road or pulling into the driveway going over the apron I hear my differential make an extreme amount of clakin noise so I go and grab the rear bumper and give the rear of the box a good shake and it sounds like someone,s banging on the diff housing with a hammer. I know nothing about gearing or differentials but it seems to me that it didn't come out the factory this way would appreciate a little direction on this matter. Thanx

 

[4x4junkie]

Typically a knocking/clunking noise in the rearend while going over bumps is caused by worn limited slip clutches (their wear creates end-play between the axle c-clips and the side gears).

Fix is to install a new clutch set into your Traction-Lok differential.