Well, I got a gear ratio change last summer and today noticed something odd. If I put into reverse and give it quite a bit of throttle, I hear a loud pop, then when I put back in first, and give it gas it pops again. It never does it again unless I reverse fast. Even if I reverse slowly or normal, it doesn't do it.

Help? I'm scared my 08 Ranger has problems and the gear job is out of warranty period!

I'm guessing the "popping" sound is coming from the transmission, not the rear differential (which I assume you are talking about when you say the truck has been regeared). Every once in awhile, I will get a "pop" sound when going in and out of reverse but this is a very rare occurance. For what reason are going so fast in reverse?

Not sure what type of transmission??? It's a 2.3L 5 speed XLT 2 wheel drive.

I wasn't really going fast in reverse, I just had to give it a little more gas today because the parking lot was really sloped (live in a hilly area). The sound seems to be easily replicated. I just reverse quickly and it does it. Then, going back into 1st (even slowly) once I start to roll it pops again and never does it (drove on the highway through all gears). It's a commuter mostly too, I don't offroad so it hasn't really seen much abuse.

If you can get someone to stand by your truck while you replicate it to see where the sound is coming from, that'd help. Like I said, I'm guessing it's coming from your transmission but in case it's your driveshaft or rear differential, you'll want to someone to be able to audibly confirm that.

From what I can hear, it sounds like it's from the rear for sure. What kind of issues could it be assuming it was either the differential or the transmission?

Thanks man. :)

The first thing I'd look at is the transmission mount. If the fasteners there come loose, it will cause the type of noise you are describing - I've had it happen.

If its not that, then it sounds like the lash in the rear end isn't set properly, or something like a pinion bearing is bad.

Could possibly be leaf springs popping since pinion angle changes from forward to reverse and reloads springs differently. Also could be like rubydist said too tranny mount loose or weak.

I appreciate the suggestions. What is the likely hood of my rear lift blocks popping in and out of place?

Verify that the lift blocks have locator pins and holes to keep the axle in the right place on the springs. Check all the ubolts for proper torque.

could also be your brakes in the rear doin the popping. im having that problem with mine right now. only happens when i change direction from either forward to reverse, or reverse to forward, and its only the first time i hit the brakes.

Don't think I have an issue when hitting the brakes I don't believe.

My blocks have either a little nub or a hole that matched up with the axle when I put them on (can't remember which).

My blocks have either a little nub or a hole that matched up with the axle when I put them on (can't remember which).There should be a hole wher they fit to the leaf pack and a locator pin or "nub" that fits into a hole in the axle perch. If you don't have both, the axle can move relative to the spring. BTW, aluminum blocks are notorious for shearing the nub off, especially if the U-bolts were not properly torqued initially or loosened over time.

Anyone know the proper torque for the u-bolts or can I just tighten them down pretty hard?

From experience I've found that you can tighten the ever living **** out of them. Thats how I did mine and for over a year its taken 2nd gear chirps and burn outs and regular abuse.

Hmm, ok! I'll give them a tighten. :)

ubolt torque is 76 foot pounds.