Wierd/ Bad? Noise

[Nic]

I have a 91 Ranger, 5 speed manual and it's been making an odd, gravely groan thats driving me nuts. Has anyone else had this issue? And is this serious or just what these trucks do?

 

[ab_slack]

You mean the transmission is making the noise? If not the trans where does it seem to come from?

If trans, noise while moving? Stopped? Clutch in? Clutch out while in Neutral? Any specific gears?

If not trans under what conditions?

I hope it isn't just making gravely groans while parked and engine off cause that would be very creepy.

 

[Nic]

Its making noise while in gear... any time its moving its making that noise. I can hear if from the shifter, definitely the trans

 

[ab_slack]

I hear some trans noise normally. When I push in the clutch it goes away after a few seconds. The noise I experience is rather low level. Like I can tell it is there when I pay attention but it doesn't stand out. I don't consider it a problem. My 87 has a FM145. I've also had an 88 and 89 BII which have the FM-146 and noise was similar on those.

If your ranger is a 4x4 and has a 2.9L you likely have a FM146 so if your noise is like what I describe it sounds normal. If your truck is 2WD or has a different engine it likely has a MOD5-R1 trans which is a different animal altogether.

Some tans identifying info here http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/ManualTransmission.shtml

I would be inclined to check fluid level in trans. The FM145 and FM146 use gear oil, never heard of any leak issues, that stuff is pretty thick. The MOD5-R1 might use automatic transmission fluid but don't quote me on that. I don't know if they leak or not but if it is ATF that seems more likely to me.

For what it is worth, does the noise change when you put your hand on the shifter? I had what I would call a rattling noise that I thought was the trans for a long time. Turned out it wasn't. It was the metal insert at the top of the shifter knob with the shift pattern on it. It was rattling inside the plastic housing.

Off hand what you describe doesn't really match up with what I have encountered, just tossing it out for what it is worth.

 

[det107]

I hope it isn't just making gravely groans while parked and engine off cause that would be very creepy.

 

[Nic]

The noise on my truck is pretty pronounced and annoying. It's a 2wd with a 4.0 liter and I'm pretty sure your right about it using ATF. Unfortunately, the noise doesn't change when I put my hand on the shifter. I have had other people say they thought it was fluid too, so I'll go get that checked! Thank you for your help!