Steel Balls?

[hilltopfarm]

I am hearing a very strange sound coming from the front under my truck. Heard it for the first time on the way home from work. It sounds like hollow steel balls clanging together. The noise is very inconsistent. Usually happens when slowing down, my foot is not on the brake.

Here is a list of the things that I have checked:
-Exhaust system
-Drive Shaft (U-Joints)
-Transfer Case
-Visual Inspection of the underside of the truck

Any ideas on what this peculiar sound might be???


(2.9L 88' 4X4)

 

[hilltopfarm]

So I guess that I just answered my own question. The steel ball sound is coming from the 2 piece drive line at the center support bearing. The steel guard on the front of it has come loose and is banging around, hence the sound of "hollow steel balls bouncing around."

That answers that question!!