jingle bells somewhere behind ranger cab?

[69rangerman]

I've had the ranger for about a week now and am trying to track down a noise. On smooth roads just the occasional squeak of suspension stuff (2wd) but on even slightly patched or uneven roads there is this sound of chains jingling know what I mean? With the slide window open I can hear it somewhere behind the cab and down low and seems to have something to do with wheel travel over uneven roads. I've been under 3 times now and have tugged, pulled, shook every suspect and kind find a thing. Could it be loose spring brackets that slack when spring is loaded/unloaded? It's not a squeak or creak but I swear just like dangling a bunch of light guage chain and shaking it. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance,
Tom

[Joe Kriston]

It's hard to tell,but just for the heck of it,how's your door weatherstripping?...Before I replaced mine on one of my trucks it had a very annoying metal to metal noise on bumpier roads...

[FORDification]

Here's a picture of a 9" rearend's center section removed...but it's just like the one in your truck. Take a look at the piece pointed to on your rearend:



These are supposed to be attached to the back of the center section's driveshaft yoke (IIRC, it's been a while), and when they come loose they can spin freely and make the sound you're talking about.

[390Nut]

[69rangerman]

Thanks guys! I'll check both. I did notice that I was able to shift one of the leaf spring brackets (not the u-bolt one) that holds the springs in line. Man I love this site. Good job Keith and fellow fordies.

[DuckRyder]

Also, if its a long bed check the center bearing. Also look at the rear shock and where the E-Brake cables run past them. They are supposed to have a sort of a spring hanger holding them away from the shock.

[mrsnicks]

Also make sure that the coil retainer and nut are tight. I had a "jingling" sound forever and it turned out to be the retaining piece that holds the bottom of the coil against the mount. The nut was loose causing the piece to rattle.. metal on metal caused the "jingling" sound.

Patrick

[4x4x4crewcab]

Check for a broken leaf spring,worn spring bushings and or center bolt.

[rjewkes]

what about those little peices that help bind them all topgether at the edges of the leaf spring pack?

[69rangerman]

I found it. There's a little clip looking thing that looks like it might function as a slide between the leaf spring and the perch. Passenger side is crimped tight, driver side loose. I'll upload pics tommorrow. For now I just jammed a piece of scotch brite nylon pad under it. Looks like it could be pried out fairly easily if they aren't a critical piece.
Tom