Hello, this is my first post and I have come to this forum for help. I have been noticing a squeaking noise developing somewhere coming from my 2002 3.0L v6 4x2 Ranger (73,500 miles). It sounds like a squeaking/spinning noise possibly coming from the underside of my truck, although I could be wrong on that. It only occurs when I accelerate, not when idling. This makes it hard to troubleshoot since I can only hear it when I'm moving. I've done some research already and am suspecting the U joints, but I'm not 100%. Has anyone here had this issue or something similar? Any help would be greatly appreciated, I need to get the Ranger back in tip-top shape!

 

Block up the front wheels on a level surface.
Do both faces so it can't roll backwards or forwards.

Jack up the rear, and place two sturdy jack stands on the ends of the axle.

Run the truck in first gear with the rear wheels turning and listen.
With the help of a friend, have him inside the truck, start off in second gear and have him step on the throttle.
Run through all the gears.

If it's an automatic just do the same thing, but just put it in drive.

You can also physically inspect the U joints by grabbing the drive shaft and moving it back and forth _ there should be no noticeable play.
This done while it's out if gear or in neutral.
The truck is still blocked up and the jack stands are still in place for this test.

 

Does it stop when you apply the brakes? Is it only under acceleration, or does it happen when you rev it? Does it stop when you coast? Automatic or manual?

 

My truck is an automatic. It only occurs when on the gas. If i'm coasting or braking the noise stops.