I own a 2001 Ranger XLT 4x2, 5 speed stick, standard cab. When I go over a bumpy road, I can hear a thump or banging sound that seems to be coming from behind the driver's seat belt tensioner area. Any ideas to what it might be?

 

Welcome to the forum

Maybe spare tire isn't tight?

E-brake cable?

 

Thanks for your input. I checked the things you mentioned and ruled them out. Could it possibly be a worn rubber bushing or mount allowing metal to metal contact?

 

I have an idea for you:
1) Grab a couple of friends(2 is best)
2) 1 friend sit in Driver seat, 1 friend lie down on the outside ground sorta behind the driver seat (side of the vehicle not under it). You get into the bed of the truck
3) You jump up and down to force truck to mimic going over bumpy road. Let friends try to figure out where the sound comes from.

This might help isolate the area where the sound is coming from.
1) Friend on ground might see something moving that shouldn't be moving when the truck is rocking while you are jumping.
2) Friend in cab could be looking around while the truck is rocking up and down.

Buy friends Beer and discuss.