Third Gear Noise

[Pineyguy]

I have been driving my truck on the roads around my house because they aren't municipal roads, and I don't have a plate. Actually I'm going for a plate this week, but anyway- I was never really able to get much out of second gear due to the hills and narrow roads. When I shift into third, there is a fairly loud rattle that comes from under the truck. I never paid much attention to it, I thought I was probably shifting too early, and shouldn't have been in third to begin with. Today I took it out and tried to get going pretty good, but the noise persists. I shifted into fourth, and it seemed to go away, but I'm not totally sure of that because of my speed at the time. I don't seem to lose any power or anything. Just wondered if anyone had any ideas.

[Pineyguy]

Probably should mention that it's the stock 230/T98a

[randygar]

Well, what type of rattle is it? If it's clear, check for loose t-case and e-brake linkages. If it's muffled (internal to tranny), check the condition of the fluid. Check all the u-joints while you're under there, exhaust/muffler rattles, etc. I can't think of many things that make a rattle specific to what gear you're in, so I'm just thinking about general rattles that might resonate at just the wrong combination of engine/drivetrain speeds...

--Randy

[Binford]

Do you think it might be something a little loose that happens when the truck is at a certain speed combined with a certain engine speed that sets up the harmonics just right to cause it to rattle?

Mine is full of rattles like that, actually. None of a type that cause me alarm though. Yours might be different.

[randygar]

Mine is full of rattles like that, actually. None of a type that cause me alarm though. Yours might be different.

Depending on where they come from, you might want to check the bolts that hold the t-case shift levers in place, the linkages, and the U-shaped end on the brake lever... fixed a lot of our random rattles that way!

--Randy

[Binford]

...And break all the dried greasy gunk holding it all together?! Are you nuts?!?!