Within the last couple weeks I have heard a repeditive clunking or click noise when the truck is under load going up hills at low speed. Also I sometimes hear a repiditive squeaking noise at low speeds on level ground while accelerating. The noise appears to be coming from the rear of the truck. Does this sound like classic u-joint noise? If so, does anyone think that this will cause a catastrophric failure in the very near future? I have never serviced the U-joints and I have no idea if the previous owner did either.

Truck is: 1996 F-150 300 ci I-6, M50D, 2WD, M5OD, 2.73 rear, 128k miles.

Thanks for your input.

 

could definately be u-joints, any sloppyness in the driveshaft? climb under and try to move the driveshaft by hand. should have very little movement. if there is any substantial movement, you probably should replace your u-joints.

I've had some pretty crappy sounding u-joints that have held strong. i had a 92 ranger with some pretty bad u-joints at one point. it would clank away all the way up to 30mph. looking back at it, i shouldn't have let it go as long as i did, but i guess i got lucky.

 

Yea thats the U-Joints... another symptom would be a clunking sound when you put in reverse. I recommend to change them as soon as possible

 

No real slop. I tried turning the shaft by hand and I couldn't really make it move. I'm going to take it to a local shop this week and figure out what they have to say. I don' thave time to mess with it....college.

 

On the same subject, on my truck right when the clutch reaches that friction point and starts to grab I hear a clunk sound now and then. All my U-joints have less then 5000 miles on them. What do you think? Tranny, T-case?

Thanks.

 

I get that exact same noise. Mine's a 2WD, so I know its not transfer case for me anyways. I'm hoping all my sounds are U-joints. Cheapest/easiest to fix. I'll let you know what the outcome is.

 

I have a similar odd quasi-thunk sometimes as I play with the clutch. Intermittent at best. Curious

 

Got both U-joints changed. It fixed everything. No more noises, no more vibration no more clicks, clunks, thunds, clanks, whines or winnies.

Thanks everyone for your input and insight.