M5OD Rattle/Grind

[tworanger]

I have a 1991 ranger, 2wd with a 2.3. It has 165,000 miles on it and ever since the clutch was replaced there is a grinding noise in 3rd-5th at certain speeds. 1st and 2nd are perfectly quiet. I used to go to 5th around 40-45mph but now it seems to rattle/grind at these speeds until i reach 60mph then everything smoothes out and is quiet. while cruising it is quieter but accelerating or engine braking makes it louder. The clutch was replaced by a very reputable mechanic and i have also taken it to a local transmission shop which told me to look for something possibly touching the firewall/tunnel. The transmission still shifts easily and no other problems with the truck. Let me know if you need anymore info and any advice would be great.

 

[AllanD]

I don't know about your truck but I have 4.10's and never,
NEVER go into fifth below 60mph.
I may stay in fifth down to 45 or so, but if I slow further I'll drop down to third before attempting to accelerate.

It sounds to me like you are simply in too high a gear at too low a speed.

AD

 

[94STXRanger]

^x2 your just shifting into gear to soon. Once in a while goin around a turn to slow or something ill still be in second and get the kind of sound.

 

[tworanger]

It has always made a sound if i lugged it but this sound is different. The owners manual says 3rd gear @ 16mph, 4th@27, and 5th @ 39. the truck has 3.73 gears and i have started shifting higher to keep it quieter and smoother. Thanks for your advice and any more would be great, thanks