littlebluetruck
New Member
- Joined
- July 10, 2005
- Messages
- 4
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- Oakhurst, CA
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- '98 Ranger XLT 4x4
Hi all... cool forum you got going here. 
My truck is a 98 super cab 4x4 5spd. It is my primary vehicle and is used for work (construction) and general transportation.
Bought truck used in '02 with 50k on it. Now up to 80k. I've never had a problem with it, and I've worked it hard.
Yesterday morning started noticing a clunk in the rear during turns... started out as rather minor and then increased in severity quickly. This went on for 10-15 minutes driving into town. I pulled out on a main road and the truck started jerking really bad. I pulled over and parked it to try and see what I could see underneath. Nothing.
I drove it forward and reverse a few times and kept getting this major clunk. By this time when attempting to move forward it was somtimes failing to engage at all.
It's looking like a rear end problem (read dif) but it's funny because I have no leaks and I lubricate and maintain the truck carefully. Any thoughts? :roll:
My truck is a 98 super cab 4x4 5spd. It is my primary vehicle and is used for work (construction) and general transportation.
Bought truck used in '02 with 50k on it. Now up to 80k. I've never had a problem with it, and I've worked it hard.
Yesterday morning started noticing a clunk in the rear during turns... started out as rather minor and then increased in severity quickly. This went on for 10-15 minutes driving into town. I pulled out on a main road and the truck started jerking really bad. I pulled over and parked it to try and see what I could see underneath. Nothing.
I drove it forward and reverse a few times and kept getting this major clunk. By this time when attempting to move forward it was somtimes failing to engage at all.
It's looking like a rear end problem (read dif) but it's funny because I have no leaks and I lubricate and maintain the truck carefully. Any thoughts? :roll:
This truck is the 3.0L, and it is built lighter than the 4.0L, which I didn't know before. Gear ratio is 3.73. I've used it like a larger truck because I've felt I needed the mobility of a smaller wheelbase, but I think I will need to re-evaluate how hard I work it, especially in regards to towing. 
I'd like to hear from some of you what kind of limits you set for towing and hauling, and also whether you have come across any modifcations to increase the truck's capabilities.
