I have a 2000 Ranger 3.0 automatic with a standard cab. I get a noise from the front end that sounds like a worn shock bushing. When rolling it makes a knocking noise like somethings loose. I checked and repacked the wheel bearings, replaced the shocks, torqued down the bolts on the brake calipers, replaced the brake pads, and made sure it had plenty of fluid in the power steering pump. It makes a dry heaving sound in the front end when it goes over a speed bump. I had someone jump up and down on the front of the truck and I felt the knocking come from the tie rods on both sides. I took it to a local shop and they said it was the tie rod ends but I never heard of both going out at the same time. That mechanic was F.O.S. Plus the noise seems to be eminating from inside the rack and pinion unit. I can replace the unit for $135.00 but i'm not sure of the cause of the problem. I don't fork out the cash only to find out it was the pump that caused the problem. So far all of the problems i've had with
this truck seems to be common. I'm wondering if anyone else went through this and what they did to solve it. I'll post the problems I had and what I did if it would help anyone else.

 

Ticker, you ever get this solved? My 03 Ranger Edge makes a knocking in the steering wheel when driving. Much more noticeable when it has warmed up. I checked all the usual suspects, (tie rods, ball joints, sway bar). I am leaning toward the rack.

Eric

 

I'm not Ticker, but my '98 was making a similar knocking noise that could be felt through the steering wheel. It happened often over speed bumps & curbs, which led me to think it might be suspension related. I noticed, though, that it also happened when turning the steering wheel (as when making a turn at an intersection, even when there were no large bumps in the road).

I read a post somewhere, likely here, that led me to believe it was a worn worm gear in the steering rack. Replacing the rack solved my issue.

-Bob