Hi all,

I bought a 1990 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 with a 5 speed manual this past week, when I was driving around town I encountered an issue. I was in 3rd gear (in 2wd) and as I accelerated I heard a sound that seemed like marbles inside a washing machine; almost as if someone was rolling things around in the drum. I did not lose power or see any external damage, but this issue continually happens when I get into 3rd gear or to around 30MPH in 2wd. HOWEVER; when I am in 4wd and get to these speeds the issue does not happen.

I'm at a loss as to what this could be. Could it be the u joints or slip joint on the driveshaft? Or would it have something to do inside the transmission. The noise seems to come from right underneath the passenger side floorboard where the transmission is located, so i'm assuming it has something to do with that.

 

Hard to say

But most likely in transfer case because of the 2WD vs 4WD difference, there are no changes in transmission when in 2WD or 4WD, only in transfer case and front axle

Do you have manual locking hubs on front wheels or automatic hubs?
If manual does noise change if locked or unlocked in 2WD?