I have a 1996 Ranger 2.3 2WD 5 Speed with 141K on it. I recently started hearing a grinding noise in reverse and in 1st gear when I'm start driving. I can run through all the gears after driving and not hear the noise. It sounds a bit like spark knock, but I'll hear that grinding noise first and then a little bit of spark knock after. I tried starting off in 2nd and I heard the same noise. Any thoughts?

Thanks.


This morning, the noise wasn't presenting itself while it had a high idle. I shifted into first to let it take off on its own and I didn't hear any noise. When it's warm, if I give it enough gas before I let off the clutch the noise is faint or non-existent. It really only comes around when there is a slow transition from clutch to acceleration.