Deceleration Clunk

[SensRanger]

Hello, I hope I can pick your brains to help me diagnose my problem.
I have a metallic clank/clunk type noise on deceleration, when almost coming to a stop (low speed). It seems to be when the automatic trans shifts from 3-1 or 2-1. Does not happen All the time, but usually, and can be more of a low thump, or a metallic clank. Now I had the trans (4r55e)rebuilt a few months ago for an incurable 2-3 flare (tried the seperator plate upgrade and a new EPC to no avail) and took it back a couple times for a broken o-ring on the filter and for a leak...shop is respected and I can only assume things are fine now! I really really dont want to go back there....and so am hopeing my issue is a driveline concern rather than the trans. Now the TSB for this clunk covers 98+ Rangers but mine is a 96. Could it still be the slip yoke or u-joints? The noise is not present on acceleration and the trans shifts properly. A similar noise is produced when shifting from P to R, and when suddenly removing my foot from the accelerator in 1st or 2nd gear. Any comments appreciated.

 

[south59]

Sounds like a non-greased slip yoke or a u-joint issue. I actually did this repair today on mine today to fix the D to R clunk. Derocha has a great writeup in his signature.

 

[Wrench]

driveline

Some 98+ auto 4X4 rangers suffered from a poorly machined transfer case rear output flange and the fit to the TC shaft caused a ping noise when going from reverse to drive. The revised flange is an interference fit rather than the old slip on style. Both styles are held in place with a nylock nut. Could be that the nut is not properly torqued. While your checking the nut torque I would also check for excess side to side, up/down movement of the TC output shaft plus the oil for contamination. Are the universal joint flange bolts tight?

 

[Rhett]

I'd say it's most likely the slip yoke that needs lubing. It's a regular maintenance item.
If that doesn't solve it then think about Wrench's good post, above.

 

[rscalzo]

Clunk

I had the exact same thing on my 99 Sport. I followed the instructions posted here and lubed the slip joint. That was well over six months ago and it hasn't returned. With a set of ramps, it was so easy even I could do it.. ( Maybe I should say it was SO easy, even a caveman could do it!!)

All you need is the grease and a SS clamp a little bigger than the drive shaft to replace the one removed. Check out the photos in a thread posted here and it will take you all of ten minutes.

 

[SensRanger]

Thanks for the replies guys...I finally had a chance to lube the slip yoke today, got it filled with lube and re-sealed the boot with new clamps. Unfortunately after 30 miles of driving the one clank when slowing almost, but not quite, to a stop, persists. It really feels like it happens when the tranny downshifts...but a very similar noise can still be heard when letting off the gas quickly, especially when say, driving uphill...i am thinking maybe ujoints still, though they seemed okay when I was under there...they could make a clank/clunk when the trans downshifts right? I just hope its not coming from the tranny itself. I've also got a slight vibration you can feel when the truck is stopped, but in gear...goes away if put into neutral. Driving is smooth until about 60 mph (90-100 km/h) but then a stronger vibration can be felt again. Anyone have any ideas on where to look next? I know i do have bad trailing arm bushings...but they make a seemingly unrelated creaking noise.

 

[BrooklynBay]

I would say that you should check the rear U joint that is closest to the differential. Just looking at it, or even trying to move the driveshaft by hand is not enough to check it out thoroughly. Remove the driveshaft, and look at that U joint while it is out. Check inside of the side caps to see if all of those metal rollers are inside.