Snap Crackle & Pop

[OCD4B2]

I have a 2005 Ford Ranger with the 4.0l and a standard transmission. When im driving up steep grades and hills my trans is making a lot of bad noises. Its popping and crackling a lot. Could it be the pilot or input shaft bearing or something else? Im in second gear most of the time when this happens but im starting to hear it in 3rd as well. Any input would be much appreciated.

 

[5speedin2.3]

I have a 2005 Ford Ranger with the 4.0l and a standard transmission. When im driving up steep grades and hills my trans is making a lot of bad noises. Its popping and crackling a lot. Could it be the pilot or input shaft bearing or something else? Im in second gear most of the time when this happens but im starting to hear it in 3rd as well. Any input would be much appreciated.

Check the u-joints.

 

[tx3nc]

Check the u-joints.

+1.

Had similar symptoms. Thought the rear end was shot. Turns out the rear ujoint had powdered the needle bearings in one of the four caps. Got so bad that I would hear a clunking noise when accelerating and another one decelerating.

 

[OCD4B2]

Alright thanks you guys. Ill be able to check it out this wednesday.

 

[OCD4B2]

Well I forgot my E sockets but I still took a look under the truck. The back U-Joint seems fine but im curious about the one at the tcase. There seems to be some some play on the slip joint for the driveshaft and the U joint looked like it had a tiny bit of play in it as well. Is this normal for the drive shaft?

 

[RangerSVT]

No, there should be zero play in any good u joint...

SVT