2002 Ford Ranger Grinding from around 30mph/2K RPM and up

CLC912

MEMBER
2002 FORD RANGER
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
162,000 MILES

When the noise started, I thought it may be the wheel bearings gone bad. Checked both sides and they were good. Repacked the bearings and snouts and buttoned it all back up. The noise continued and seems to be gradually getting worse.

A couple of weeks before I had noticed the rear end leaking at the input. Popped the plug and oil gushed out as if it was overfilled. With the oil came tiny slivers of metal. I am replacing the rear end with an 8.8 from an Explorer within the month. My mech said that it should be okay until the new rear, but to keep an eye on it. Drained the current rear and refilled to proper levels. Didnt leak again.

When the noise became constant at low speeds, I was talking to a mech buddy at work. He drove and looked at it. To him felt like a drive line issue. He showed me where he felt like the tail shaft out of the transmission had to much play in it when he shook it. There is a small amount of fluid coming out of it as well. I am not a car mech but I am and helicopter mech, and it does seem to have a more play than it should be allowed.

The truck is the Edge model 2wd, 3" lift, 17 inch wheels, and 285/70's. The rear lift was accomplished with a 1.5" add-a-leaf and 2" blocks Stock it ran 265/75/15 if I remember correctly.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

The best and easiest thing to do is rack the truck, have a helper say in it, start it, and place it in gear. At that point, you can move around under the vehicle while the wheels spin to locate the noise. The lift may have a lot to do with the problem. And, it may have caused both bearing to go bad.

Let me know what you find. Also, as far as the pressure in the differential that blew the gear lube out, make sure the one way valve at the end of the breather isn't damaged.

Let me know what you find.
Joe