I have a 2002 Ford Ranger 4x4 Off Road and over the past few weeks I can hear a "pinging" sound that seems to be coming from the drive train. It ca be compared to a bell ringing or a hammer on anvil sound. I can really only hear when I drive past a wall or parked car so the sound echos back to me. The pinging starts when it shifts (Auto) to 2nd gear, but doesn't stop until I come to a complete stop. I have checked the E-Brake cables as I read somewhere that they could possibly make that noise if broke and the Diff has plenty of fluid, but I have yet to pull the cover off to see if maybe the C-Clip is worn as there is about 1/4" play in the axle. I had it up on jack stands and with the Diff spinning I couldn't replicate it, as soon I took it down and drove around the block the sound is still there. Any suggestions?


Thank you!!

 

Could be rear wheel bearing, which is why there was no noise when weight was off the wheels, or front wheel bearing and front wheels were not spinning during the test.

Find a wall in a parking lot that you can drive next to.
See if you can tell which side noise is coming from.
Try shifting into Neutral and coasting to see of noise changes with engine/trans RPMs or wheel rotation

 

**UPDATE**
Gears and bearings good in the rear end. However, I noticed that the noise stops when 4 wheel drive engages.

 

Could be front drive shaft CV joint at transfer case.

Check out the video in this thread: How to rebuild cv style cardone ( front drive shaft ) - Ford Explorer and Ranger Forums "Serious Explorations"®