2002 Ford Ranger Supercab XLT 4x4, 4.0 V6
For a while, I've had a light "ticking" sound from the left front when I turn the wheel tightly to the left. Recently, this has become a loud knocking sound. CV replacement, yes? Other thoughts?

 

Welcome to the forum

The propeller joint on the front drive shaft at the transfer case is a type of CV joint and it was a known failure point on the 2001-2011 Ranger 4x4s
Makes a ticking noise, on the left, but usually full time

But yes both front axles also have CV joints that can fail, you need to pull off the lower ball joint connection to remove the axle on that side, axle is replaced as a whole unit, the CV joint is not replaceable separately, axle just pulls out of the differential, so just the wheel needs disassembly to change axle

 

@RonD - Thanks. Yes, this is definitely coming from the left front so I'm pretty sure it is the CV. It only makes a sound when turning tight left. When going straight, turning right, or only slightly turned left, it doesn't make any sound.

​​​Previously, I hadn't used the 4x4 much but I moved to a snow area and have been using 4x4 and plowing -- which, I expect has aggravated this condition.