Need help diagnosing noise on '03

[cmbford]

I need help diagnosing noise I hear above 30mph on my '03 XLT. It sounds like tire noise (growl) but I don't think that's it. Pitch varies with speed, most noticable between 30-70 mph. I shift into neutral, sound is same. Open windows to hear outside & not really noticable outside. Seems to come through vehicle.

There may be a slite vibration associated with it (not through steering wheel)

Something in front end 4wd not disengaging? I shift into 4w high - can feel it go in & out.

Any help is appreciated.

4x4, V6 OHC, 5 speed 67 K miles.

 

[rrgone]

Welcome aboard! Sounds like you have rear end whine. Pretty common with the Explorers. Mine does it too but not so bad that I have done anything about it yet. Here's one pretty good thread about it: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144692. Some people have just changed the original 75W-90 gear oil with 75W-140 QL and noted improvement. Do a search for TSB 05-12-6. Good luck.