Ramcharger bad sound!

[Rhondasway]

I picked up a 1990 Ramcharger, 4x4, 318, auto a few weeks ago. It's been running great. I just got the nasty 33" mudders off it in favor of 235 BF Goodriches and was enjoying the ride. And then... .

I was rolling down to a stop and this thumping started somewhere under me. I left the light and entered the highway accompanied by a loud rotational thumping complete with shaking the whole truck. It was pretty bad, sounding something like I'd imagine a driveline that had come loose would sound. Worse under throttle, but even bad on braking. I pulled over and looked under it, but saw nothing wrong. I limped it home and crawled under for a closer look.

As far as I can see my U-joints are fine, and there is no play in the rear driveline. However, upon shaking the front of the shaft where it enters the transfer case, there seems to be some slop in the case, and clunking.

It is NOT engine sound.

Can anyone advise me on this? I have not had time to check transmission connection issues (like TC coming loose... ) and have not dealt with transfer case issues so don't know if this is related. I need this boy back on the road so I don't have to leave the Princess in a commuter parking lot!!.

I also don't know if I'd be better off in the Off-road area, so if the moderator wants to move me there, okey-dokey! Thanks for any advice!

 

[Simplysmn]

check your front hub's sounds like you have a bearing comming loose .

 

[fox]

Get it up on jack stands-safely, and start it, put it in drive and look under it.

I'd also try driving it in 4X4 to see if the noise changes.

 

[PToombs]

On jacks with no load it might not show anything.

Block the wheels, put it in neutral, and check the drive shaft where you thought it was loose. You might have a bad bearing or TC.

 

[Rhondasway]

Okay, cool. How do I check the hubs?

As far as bad TC, how the heck would I know? I've destroyed a lot of transmission stuff in the Princess and never experienced anything close to this. I checked to make sure it was tightly bolted to the engine, and wanted to check the TC/flexplate bolts but for the life of me couldn't find access... Anyone know? It's so easy on the diesel; darn V8! .

Also, since I know nothing about trans cases, is there a good place to find a diagram or something so I'd at least be somewhat educated? Do they have bearings? It feels like it's coming from underneath me when driving, but who knows?

Thanks a bunch!

 

[B.G. Smith]

To access the flex plate bolts there is a thin metal shield on the lower front sidde of the transmission opening, you have to remove the starter to get tit off though. I don't think that would be your problem. Also if a front hub bearing was gone you should feel something in the brake pedal when stopping. It could be one of the cv joints in the front axle I guess. I would rather think the problem is in the drive line/u-joints. As someone stated above,you have to have the torque off the drive line to see if there is a bad u-join, etc. so the transmission has to be in neutral and the wheels blocked to keep ithe vehicle from running over you. This is NP205, not sure what the RC has. bg NP205 New Process Transfer Case Diagrams and Information

 

[Simplysmn]

Jack the front up and see if the wheels wiggles any when you move it up and down also inspect all your u joints also