First off I'm new to this forum, not a master mechanic by any means but have fixed several problems with my truck. First off it's a 2003 Ford Ranger Edge 2WD with 230,000 miles , engine rebuilt, etc. I've had some trouble lately with the rear wheel seal having gone bad and has a horrible leak of gear fluid. I actually replaced it about a year and a half ago with my buddy who's a great mechanic. But otherwise when going in reverse there's a very noticeable​ clunk and grinding sound, the same when in drive. Disappeared when riding on the highway taking it back to the house. Fluid is clean with no noticible metal except for what's on the plug magnet (sludge). Just need some input on what parts I need or might need( already have the wheel seal and bearing). Thanks for the input.

What parts you need, you will not know until the rear is taken apart inspected.

If you have a rear axle seal leaking and a bad bearing, you may also need a rear axle.
If the axle has a groove ground into it from the bad bearing or from the seal you may need to replace the axle or use a repair bearing that has a built in seal.

If this is the case it is best to replace the axle unless the wear is minimal.

I would plan on doing both axle bearings and seals

A complete visual inspection of the ring and pinion gear plus spider gears should be done before you remove the axles.

If any of the gears are worn you may want to find a good used entire replacement rear end.

You should check for play in the pinion bearings if you have any play,The pinion bearings races and seal may need to be replaced.

At minimum the pinion bearings and races should be inspected if play is found at the pinion.

Never replace the pinion seal without using a new crush sleeve which will require removal of the entire carrier assembly.

If this is the case you will need to remove the gears and inspect the carrier bearings and races.

Then remove the pinion gear and bearings to inspect them and replace the seal and crush sleeve.

There is a bolt that has to come out to remove the axles to facilitate replacing the axle seals and bearings, that bolt should be replaced.

I highly suggest if you plan on removing the carrier bearings and pinion bearings etc get a manual and read up on this procedure. So you can get the needed tools and materials to do the job properly.

The only other thing you should inspect on the rear is the differential vent if it is plugged up it could cause the seals to blow out again

Reguardless of what you find with the rear end now is the time to inspect the driveshaft remove the drive shaft and inspect each u-joint and support bearing if your truck is equipped with one.

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2002 Ford Ranger 2 Dr Standard cab 2.3 5 SPD 7.5 373 gears

Ok, got it...

So are you saying the seal that was replaced 1 1/2 years ago is now leaking? IMO, "lately" and 1 1/2 years ago aren't the same.

Regardless of the seal, how low did you let the oil level drop and for how long? This question trickles back to the above. ^^^

*Assuming you didn't run it for a long period while low on oil, I'd first check the u-joints for looseness and then roughness when moved. Best to drop the driveshaft to do the latter.

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2004 Ranger FX4 Level II, 5R55E, Sonic Blue Pearl

Proudly JAP/RICE free since March 2000