I tried searching for posts about this noise problem, but nothing seems to fit. So I figured I would post my own. Its a 2003 Ford Ranger FX4 LVL II with 117,000 miles. Rear brakes changed and rear diff fluid changed two weeks ago. I also have the front drive shaft off the truck, and have been driving without it.

PROBLEM: When I accelerate the noise will start at 15 to 20 mph. The noise is only when I am on the gas pedal, no matter if I barely touch the pedal or if I press it to the floor. The noise is a whine squealing sound, and narrowed it down to the rear end, but it echos too much to find the exact spot. When I let off the gas pedal it stops, and at low speeds my truck vibrates to where everything inside shakes. When I reverse I hear a loud knock... knock.... knock. I have grabed the rear axle, twisted it back and forth, it does have play at both ends where it meets to Transfer case and rear diff, more play at the trasfer case. I pushed up on the rear drive shaft and it clicks lightly where it meets the t case, and where it meets the rear diff it doesnt, but the u joint at the rear has very very slight play.

QUESTION: Could all this noise be due to the rear axle U joint, OR something else, OR multiple parts gone bad?

Any ideas/solutions would be a big help. This noise is getting frusturating to where I hate driving it.

 

THE u joints might not be a bad place to start. They are cheap and easy to replace (at least they were on my 2wd.)

 

That what some friends in town are saying to start with. I will probably start with the u joints and go from there, and ya they are cheap. Just process of elimination can take a while, lol. Thanks for the advice,.

 

U Joints

 

Did you figure out the noise yet. I've never heard a u joint squeal, but i could be wrong

 

U Joints, I had one so bad all the needle bearings were melted together. That would have sucked coming apart...

What kind of lift do you have? pinion angle will effect the life of ujoints.

 

So I replaced the u joints and the noise is still there. I'm going to replace the rear differential seals and bearings on the yoke. Hopefully that's what it is.

 

I have a 4"superlift

 

Did u ever figure that out? Because I have a whining noise coming from my rear axel and I have replaced pinion /carrier bearings/races, rear driveshaft u joints, and wheel bearings. And still having an issue.

 

I did fix the issue, I replaced u joints, rear diff pinion seal, bearings, and the transfer case seals. If you have a lift, as I did, you prob should replace the front drive shaft. Lift kits angle the drive shaft putting a lot of strain on them, I went thru two in a year and a half and the sound was horrible. Try a junk yard or have your current one rebuilt and see if that helps! Also you can remove the front driveshaft and see if the sound stops, then you will know for sure, let me know how it goes!

 

I thinks it's very helpful