98 4WD "clanking" noise

[sloppydrippins]

My 98 is making this God-awful clanking noise while just driving down the road. It definitely sounds like it's coming from the front end. Before this clanking noise appeared, it already made a rumbling noise going down the highway at 50 mph and beyond.

In my endeavors to get rid of the rumble, I've replaced the rear driveshaft u joints but to no avail. I jacked up the front of the truck the other day and spun the front wheels to listen for the noise and didn't hear anything. I tried to rock the wheels up and down and side to side but didn't feel much slop, either. I saw that the steering box arm (pitman arm?) seemed kinda loose, but I don't think that would explain the clanky noise which definitely sounds like moving parts corresponding in speed with the vehicle's rate of travel.

The CV boots aren't torn, either. Does this sound like a front hub bearing or CV shaft issue? The clanking noise is so bad I'm afraid to drive the truck at all until I figure this out.

 

[noJeepshere]

It sounds like it might be the flexplate in the transmission.

 

[sloppydrippins]

flexplate?

I understand what the flexplate does and where it is. I should be able to inspect it from underneath with that cover off, right? Would I be looking for messed up teeth or something?

the reason why I ask is because starting is normal. You only hear the noise when the vehicle is moving. I would think that if was the flexplate at fault then you'd hear it if the engine was running whether you were moving or not.

 

[sloppydrippins]

I'd just like to say this forum sucks. What "help" I've gotten hasn't worked and having looked through the posts - 180 people will look at it, and you're lucky to get 2 replies. I won't be coming back to this... "forum". My opinion is that it's occupied and run strictly by 20-something **********.

 

[SunlitComet]

You probably have internal cv joint damage or front gearbox damage you can't see. Why don't you have it towed to a shop, put in on a rack that lets the wheels hang or get some high enough jack stands and put it into 4wd a and tranny in drive to spin the wheels. I am sure the noise location will become apparent right away.

BTW not everyone who looks at your post has an answer to your problem. In fact some maybe looking because they may have a similar problem and are afraid to ask about it (ego maybe). If you continue with the same attitude you will just get backlash from it. I don't have to be here but sometimes I need some help and I have no problem returning it. In fact I have given more than I have taken. Appreciate what you get from this place even if it is not a lot. At least someone is trying to help and not charging you money to do so.

 

[noJeepshere]

I'd just like to say this forum sucks. What "help" I've gotten hasn't worked and having looked through the posts - 180 people will look at it, and you're lucky to get 2 replies. I won't be coming back to this... "forum". My opinion is that it's occupied and run strictly by 20-something **********.

Too bad to hear that... I've gotten lots of help from this forum, most of it from Stewie (sunlitcomet) but others have lent a hand where they could.