Is there any from driveshaft options for a stock height ranger? Other than the Superlift(if they will even work with a stock height truck)

I have a weird poping when in 4wd low and maneuvering around in tight turns(on snow cover pavement)

 

'04 Ranger has "live axle", which means front wheels, front axles, and front drive shaft are always connected, if wheels are turning so is the drive shaft.

The rear "u-joint" on the front drive shaft is a common failure, but tends to make a popping noise any time you are at low speed, whether in 4WD or not.

Google: Explorer Propeller Joint

There is a video of how to rebuild this joint.

If it is only in 4WD and only when turning then could be one of the front wheel CV joints, but again these are always "in gear" just not powered in 2WD

 

The weird par tis this hoping has been going on for the last 125k. I would think if I had a bad u-joint or CV it would of came apart by now?

 

Yes, you would think it would have gotten worse or failed, but that applies to pretty much any part in the truck, so..........

 

it must be in the t-case then

 

But that should get worse over time as well, in 125k you must have used the 4WD a few times.

If it only makes a noise in 4lo then yes transfer case, but don't understand how front wheels turn position would effect transfer case noise?

 

putting the truck in 4wd adds more stress. especially when making turns, the inside tires are turning slower than the outside tires

And If I put 10 miles a year on in 4wd, it is a lot.(typically only in 4wd when plowing. But I do over 25k a year in 2wd