98 XLT Tranny or TC?

[Panther505]

Truck 128K, 4.0L OHC 5Speed XLT. Problem-


On the way to work today my wife was drivin' the X. She noticed a noise (described as drillin sheetmetal) but nothing on the gauges and she limped the rest of the way to work (bout 3 miles.)

I went to look at it and found the following. Only get the noise when trying(operative word) to go in Reverse, when moving forward and the vehicle is not under power, or sitting with the clutch in and the tranny in gear.

#1 There is no noise when I have the clutch under a load.

#2. Happens regardless of the position of the 4 wheel drive.

#3. Sounds like a buzzing. Reminds me of a spline shaft that wasn't seated and spun out.

Guesses at work were everything from Rear Dif to Tranny to Transfer case. When I laid under the truck (I know not smart) and my wife had it in Reverse I could feel vibration in the TC and the Tranny but with them tied together I couldn't tell what was producing it.

Truck has 128 K on it with regular maint(but I am not sure when I last had the tranny and TC drained and refilled.

Looking for anyone that has had the problems or suggestions. Anyone from the Raleigh/Durham part of NC that has a suggestion for a good shop to look at it. GOOD= Fair price and NO PROBLEMS with the worK.

Thanks.

 

[mrboyle]

Does it only do it in reverse? If so my first guess would be the reverse idler gear inside the tranny. My first suggestion would be to drain the tranny and t-case and see if there is any substantial amount of metalic shavings or chunks of anything. This will give you a good indication of what and which component has the problem.

 

[Panther505]

Does it in Reverse, when coasting in a forward gear, and at a stop in gear with the clutch in.

Plan is to drain the Tranny and see if we find any shavings/chunks- Any ideas on the cost of rebuilding it?

 

[Panther505]

Update-

Today refilled the Tranny. While laying under the X we found 2 things.

#1. If it is in Reverse and we push it forward the explorer will roll and we get a metallic clicking sound.

#2. If we move the explorer slightly and then twist on the rear drive shaft we can get the clicking sound. Also I think while I moved it that I saw the shaft torque when I heard the noise.

Questions-
#1 Is the transfer case suspect? I think that is what blew up as I have the forward gears (1-5) and no reverse with the 4WD set to Auto.

#2. On the Explorer is the split 40/60 (F/R)? If so is it split for reverse also? If it is split for reverse then I think that I am back to the Tranny being bad.

ANY help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.