Recently i noticed a strange ticking or clicking like sound coming from around the engine and wheel wells. I noticed it the other day while i was idling and thought it was just a leaf or something in the fan, but once i went outside i head it louder. i never head a rodknck or anything and first thought of that but thought otherwise. I decided to drive it down to a park near my house to see if i could hear anytning on the way. i headed a small ticking noise again. once i got down to the park i drove around and found a noise that went away a while ago, but recently came back. it sounds like it is coming from the left driver and possible rear side, but mostly driver side wheel area. its a squeaking and clunking type noise. it tends to happen over bumps, turn either way, or any movement. im not really sure what is wrong, i will end up taking it down to the auto shop in town but any advice would help me save some money. thank you

 

Your are not very clear on if the "tick" is related to engine RPM or wheel RPM

If you only hear it when moving then it would be wheel related most likely

But first, what year is the Ranger and is it 2WD or 4WD?

Also manual trans or automatic?

 

i have a 1998 auto with manual locking 4 wheel drive hubs. the quieter noise sounds like it is most likely related to engine rpm. but the other is both i think. to add to my description. i as driving in 4 wheel drive and i turned my week to the left and the truck would not move. that had never happened to me before. i tried to give it gas and it did not sound good