Hello all.

02 Ranger XLT FX4 5 speed here. 4.0 with about 70K, FWIW.

Ok now that that's out of the way, I have a relatively simple question, or so I hope.

Keep in mind, I know virtually nothing about suspension, other than I know what the names of some of the parts are.

Here's my issue: Every time I hit a bump, pothole, a sharp drop, stand in the bed, or so much as brake hard, I hear a squeaking noise. Basically, if the rear moves, it squeaks. It's more than 100% positively coming from the rear - that much is sure. What I don't know is what the hell is causing it???

I don't even have the first clue as to where to look, what to look for, or even if it's if it's even supposed to be doing that.

Sorry for being so vague, however, I'm not really sure how else to describe it.

I can shoot a short video of what's happening if necessary.

Where do I start troubleshooting this one?

Thanks in advance for any and all replies

 

bushings? shocks? Have you looked under niether to see if anything is loose?

 

sway bay endlinks maybe

 

What's a sway bay?

 

Sway bar. Stops body roll while cornering. Check all the bushings and try and grab and push on everything underneath to find anything loose

 

Yes, I did that today while replacing the pinion seal and the front cover seal. It seems like the squeaking is coming from BOTH shocks. WTF, both shocks going bad at the same time? They are Bilsteins, too. They aren't even rusty at all.

Maybe next year when I get my tax return and have $5000 to replace them it'll get done.