Great site!! Need some advice. I have a 99 ranger 4x4 xlt auto transmission 3.0l flexfuel with 130,000 miles. I looked at many threads but seems problem could be many things. Some times when i start off driving there's a thump like somethings engaging then as i drive it's fine. I checked the u joints and think they are ok. Put the truck in nuetral and there is play but it didn't appear to be the u joints. any ideas? Slip yoke maybe or tranny?

 

sounds like the slip yoke binding thing. If no one has ever had it off of there and cleaned/regreased it then that possibility goes up. Its fairly easy to do and does not take much time. I would try it to see if that solves the problem, if not you have not lost anything but an hour time and some zip ties.

 

You can lubricate the slip yoke yourself: 98+ Ranger 4WD - Driveshaft Slip Yoke Lubrication

 

Great i'll try that but i couldn't find the parts on on-line auto stores (local). Do i have to get rebuild kit from ford

 

Yes, the kit is only available from Ford. You pay for the grease, essentially, because rarely does the rubber boot (also in kit) need replacing. If you have some good grease hanging around, you can do the lube job without spending any bucks on the kit. Just be careful with the original clamps. If the slip yoke is the problem, you should notice considerable improvement, no matter what.

 

Lubing the slip yoke worked for me to eliminate that thump. There is a thread in the stickie section furhter to the TSB Rockledge provided. Take special note to mark the shaft and joints before disassembly and reassemble maintaining alignment. You can buy a kit which includes just the grease and the boot bands from Ford for about $17.

 

I cut off my clamps and used zip ties when I put it back together. Just to be sure I used 2 at each end with the heads at 180 of each other. Yeah, no need to pay ford for grease!

 

I too have used zip ties successfully. Regular grease has not lasted as long as the grease from Ford.

Russ

 

Has anyone ever used that new Green Synthetic grease? Good for everything except wheel bearings.

Rog