1995 Ranger 4.0 XLT 4WD. 225k miles.
I’m trying to diagnose a rattling noise that seems to be coming from the back of the engine or bottom of the engine near the bell housing. While driving it is most noticeable in a couple of instances.

1) Going downhill when the truck is coasting (in drive) and I just barely push the accelerator but not enough to cause the engine to pull or catch up with the coasting speed. I hear a vibrating type rattle.

2) Going uphill with the engine accelerating and pulling its noticeable only if I let off the accelerator quickly. Again a vibrating type rattle.

3) In park engine running and accelerator slightly pressed. Same noise.

it’s seems to be less prevalent or even goes away when the engine is accelerating and engaged.

Possible timing chain, bearing or something in the bell housing/ transmission area?

Any thoughts would be appreciated?

 

Could be your torque converter

 

Interesting you said that. The first time I heard this noise was the same day the torque converter went out. I had the transmission rebuilt by a very highly recommended local shop in my area. It drives fine now but the rattling noise has been there ever since. I don’t really understand how transmissions work, but the noise kind of sounds like something is free spinning inside the transmission when the engine isn’t engaged and pulling. When you let off the accelerator to allow the engine to coast is there something in the transmission that disengages and continues to spin freely?

 

In An automatic transmission, Your torque converter is always connected to the engine. It does disconnect like a clutch can. Has the engine been rebuilt? I would check and see if there is any play with the output shaft of the engine. You would need to drop the transmission tho. Does your engine leak oil around the back end?

 

Engine has not been rebuilt. Yes, it leaks oil in the front, back and oil pan. I guess I’ll take it back to the transmission shop while it’s under warranty. I’m mainly trying to figure out if it’s a transmission or engine issue. After that I can start to look at solutions.

 

did you ever find out if it was the torque converter

 

It’s been to the transmission shop three times, and they say it’s an engine noise.