I've been chasing down some sounds I've been hearing with my 97 Ford Ranger XL and most was coming from a muffler weld giving out and an aftermarket bracket that is loose. BUT, I shook the back end of the truck side to side while looking for the sounds and heard a clacking sound in the rear end, that I pinned down to the passenger side hub area. This is my first truck, so I'm hoping someone may be able to let me know if it's normal/abnormal, what it might be if abnormal, and what to start checking/doing to cure it if it's abnormal and not good type thing...

Off to change the oil in the old 97 Ford Ranger that I've have affectionately named Wildebeest...
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According to the VIN number the rear end axle type is a Ford Semi Floating axle.
I should have checked if there is a tag on the rear end while I was out there.

 

Probably have to pull off the brake drum on that side to have a look

Spare tire setup on Ford pickups can have a chain or cable that can make a noise when you rock the back, not a problem just slack in the system when spare tire is up all the way

 

Thanks for the info RonD...
I'm hoping to get the rear end up off the ground and take a look at things tomorrow. I need to change out the diff oil. Who knows when the last time it was changed. I'm wondering if it is axle slope for lack of better words. My understanding is these rear ends have a little in/out play. So, I'm thinking maybe it's time to check out the seals, bearings, and change the differential lube here soon.

 

Yes, all axles must have end play, but you would hear that more in the differential housing not at the hub end, that's where the play is, but a solid steel axle will transfer sound


Look on the drivers door label to get the AXLE code to see what you have, look here: https://therangerstation.com/tech_li...le_codes.shtml

The L/S(limited slip) differentials need a friction modifier added or they won't "slip" when cornering, get a jerky feeling when cornering
You can by it pre-mixed or as an additive

 

Ok, hopefully it's just play.
Either way I'm going to pull the tires etc to check things out, if for nothing but peace of mind.
My axle code from the door says 86.
From this I gather I need the 7.5" gasket for the diff cover when I change the diff lube.Code
Description
Capacity
Ratio
86 open 7.5" 2750 3.73

 

Yes, if there is a gasket, some don't use gaskets, just RTV sealant, there is no pressure inside just gravity

3rd parties do make rubber gaskets for differentials that didn't come with gaskets

2750 is the weight rating for that axle
3.73 is the pinion/ring gear ratio, pinion gear(drive shaft) will turn 3.73 times for each 1 turn of ring gear(axles)

 

Well, I removed both back wheels and the brake hub and nothing seems wrong. Both sides to be pretty much the same. The bearings seem ok, but if I'm going to change the diff oil I'm thinking I might as wall pop out the rear wheel bearings/seals and replace them. See what happens. This weekend I'll be working on the wife's Honda, so it will be at least a week or so 'til I get back around to the Ranger...