Sound's Driiving Me Nuts

[rangerbury]

Okay guys here goes. I have a '95 Ranger Super Cab with the 4R44E A/T. I'm hearing a sound/noise; the closest I can come to a description is: it sounds like a washing machine as it completes the spin cycle after the motor unloads. i.e. a "Waaaaaaah" sound. It doesn't change pitch with speed, only when decelerating and only at about 5 mph and below 1000 rpm. Then it disappears. It's quite noticible at slow neighborhood speeds but once I get up & go you can't hear it, probably because the wind & road noise drown it out. If I put it in neutral & coast it's still there. I don't think it's the brakes because the pitch doesn't change when I apply the brakes. I'm hoping if it's anything, it might be the center carrier bearing on the 2 piece driveshaft and NOT a tranny issue such as broken or worn out bands, hard parts etc. Since it's started, I've driven it about 2,000 miles with no problems. The truck shifts just fine (after a valve body upgrade mentored by Glacier, Brooklyn & the tranny guru's). Any ideas ? Thanks in advance.

 

[dogfriend]

4wd or 2wd? If 4wd, it could be an issue with the transfer case.

 

[rangerbury]

It's 2wd with about 125,000 miles on it.

 

[spotdog14]

it almost sounds like it could be your rear diff.

 

[rangerbury]

I'll check that tommorrow, Spotdog & thanks for the tip.

 

[quasarsky]

sounds like a noise mine makes. when you hear it, if you step on the gas, does the noise stop?

i am interested in hearing how this resolves

 

[rangerbury]

It's the carrier bearing. I had a local guy put it up on a lift & put it in gear. No question about it. I don't have the time or lift available to do it myself so I'm having him do it for $180 in and out. Probably getting ripped but that's life when you're pressed for time.