Rumbling noise from front end.

[GaryB2001]

I have a 2001 4WD Sport Trak that has developed a rumbling noise from the front end. As I have previously had a problem in the front spindles/brakes the truck has less than 5000 miles on new spindles, rotors, calipers, and brake pads. That solved the problems with the brakes. It has now developed a rumbling sound from the front. I do not feel that the spindles are a problem, they were a lower cost set from NAPA but still seemed to be of a good quality. I put the truck up on jack stands today and got under to check things out. The thing that stands out in my mind is that I seem to have some slack in the front diff. When I turn the driveshaft back & forth I hear and feel slack in the movement of the front axles. That is, when the driveline is turned, the axles have a lag before turning. In my past experience this indicates the ring gear & pinion have a problem. However I understand that some of these Sport Tracks came with limited slips (unusual in a front end I think). Could the slack could come from a limited slip? Anyone have any experience with these. Any help in where to look prior to tearing this thing apart would be welcome. Thanks

 

[specialized7]

i am having this exact same problem in my 97, it started tonite after a 2 hour highway trip.
ill post if i find anything

 

[JohnnyO]

the driveshaft back & forth I hear and feel slack in the movement of the front axles. That is, when the driveline is turned, the axles have a lag before turning.

That's normal.

However I understand that some of these Sport Tracks came with limited slips (unusual in a front end I think). Could the slack could come from a limited slip?

No Sport Trac ever came from the factory with a front limited-slip. A front L/S was available on Rangers and Bronco II's from about '85 to '89 but that's all. Scarce as hen's teeth anyway and no it won't fit the ST's Dana 35 front even if you could find one.

Any help in where to look prior to tearing this thing apart would be welcome. Thanks

When my previous '05 Sport Trac made what sounds like the same noise, it turned out to be a bad front wheel bearing.
Also check to make sure the front diff is full.