2002 Ranger Supercab, 4X4, 4.0L V6, 5-speed manual.
Since new has had excessive lash somewhere in drivetrain. Often sounds like rearend loose when shifting; usually when shifting to a lower gear. I shift smoothly, and it is often not too noticable on upshifts. But instances such as slowing down and then shifting from 5th down into 4th almost always produces the audible indication of excess lash, even though I shift smoothly and pre-match rpm to speed to gear selected.
Still under warranty, so it is certainly going back again. Twice already. First time they said rearend clearances were out of spec and adjusted same to within tolerances. Not much help; maybe a tad. Second time they said driveshaft slip-joint had excessive clearance and replaced driveshaft. Between the two "repairs", maybe reduced problem by 1/2. 5000 miles later, it's back to as bad as ever.
Dealer evidently has to contact factory rep each time it's in and request their probable "best guess" as to what to check and replace, and recieve authorization for same before the dealer can do anything. Requires leaving vehicle inordinate amounts of time. Current personal plan is to take it and leave it and tell them to call me when it is repaired to the point that it is absolutely impossible to induce audible indications of the problem.
Is there any possibility that anyone on this forum is aware of any "tendency" of this model to exhibit such symptoms???
Any input from the astute, informed, experienced and kind denizens of this forum would be greatly appreciated.
Thanking you in advance.
Thumper47

 

Duh....
Looks like I sorta answered my own question.
Looked under Technical Information: 98+ Clunk/Thump.
Seems like a possible fit, although mine never gives any indication upon initial take-off.
One would be inclined to think that Ford would have corrected this condition by now!!! Geesh!
Anyway, if anyone has additional input, it will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Thumper47

 

This might sound dumb but take your driveshaft out and take it apart at the slip joint and clean it good and put a coat of good grease{not barring greas} no it and put it back together.While you have it out check yor u-joints to replace if needed.Oh yea mark the drive shaft and the youk {trans or reae end and all so the two pices of the driveshaft}so it all goes back together like it came apart. This worked on my 89 4x4 Ranger.

 

Thank you, GrayRanger4X4.
Since it is still under warranty, I believe that I shall allow my friendly Ford dealer's mechanic to perform your recommendation. I saw in the Technical Information a post on lubing the slip-yoke, and the recommended Teflon-based grease to use. I shall make a note of the Part Number for the grease and suggest that the mechanic utilize same.
Thank you for your input.
Thumper47

 

Good luck! Keep us informed on what Ford does .