Noise like rock rolling around inside tin can

[JPDenny]

I have an '01 Sportrac, - 198K miles, just replaced the engine due to timing chain failure, now I have a noise that sounds like a rock or 1/2 inch nut rolling around inside a coffee can. "mechanic" said that it was the pinion gear, and quoted $650 to fix, Anyone have experience with this?
Thanks

 

[JPDenny]

I have an '01 Sportrac, - 198K miles, just replaced the engine due to timing chain failure, now I have a noise that sounds like a rock or 1/2 inch nut rolling around inside a coffee can. "mechanic" said that it was the pinion gear, and quoted $650 to fix, Anyone have experience with this?
Thanks

 

[IZwack]

Where is this noise coming from? Could be a timing chain -- thats the usual rock in a tin can sound.

 

[manaen]

when does it occur?

 

[JPDenny]

The noise occurs when the vehicle is rolling more that 5 mph, in gear or in neutral.

 

[JPDenny]

I think the noise comes from the area at the front of the drive shaft

 

[IZwack]

Go under there, unbolt the front driveshaft and shake the pinion flange/yoke on both the transfer case and the axle.