Emergency! On a 2K trip, got a clicking noise while coastin/accel/decel at 25-35mph

I got a what seems to be random clicking noise while coasting, accelerating, and decelerating between about 25 and 35 mph. Pushing the clutch in does not make it go away, braking does. I checked the U Joints, and the rear has a very small amount of play (which it had before the trip, so I know that is not it) I have a load in my bed and am thinking it might be something rattling around (will be unloading it and checking in the morning), if for some chance it is not that or something stuck in my tire or a loose lug nut what else could it be? I would like to check the ring and pinion because I have read some post that it might be that, but I don't think that can be done without draining the fluid, correct?? Any other things that I might be missing?? Thanks

Truck Specs:
2007 V6 6-Speed Double Cab
Inchworm Crawler w/ 2.28 gears
Inchworm Lefty transfer case w/ 4.7 gears
ARB rear locker

 

I don't think you could hear the ring and pinion unless it is really loud. I would look for something in the cab. Did you check your tires for rocks in the tread...

Check to see if it changes with bumps on the road and different directions turning.

Could be all that drive train work you have done too.

Need more info really. Keep this thread updated and it will get solved.

 

Its not very loud, there where some rocks in my tires so I pulled them out, will check again and update the thread. Hoping that was the problem, it doesnt sound like anything in the cab, I can only hear it with the windows down and at about 25-35 mph, when I go faster I cant hear it anymore, and when I slow down below 25 it goes away. Thanks for your help

 

I chipped a tooth on the rear ring gear once. It was audible. And I really couldn't pinpoint exactly where the sound was coming from at first.

 

check around between your calipers and the disks. Also check rear drum edge and back plate. you may have pickedup something that is hitting the Pads/rotors/drums.

Also check you sliding pins for the calipers - that they are there and pads do not appear to be rattling and/or the caliper dragging....

I'm also wondering if the noise is still there over 35 MPH but gets white noised out at higher speeds due to road noise.

Perhaps you can get the tires on a lift /jack up the corner and spin the wheels? (run your have over the tire sides and tread when spinning and feel for any clicking / bearing noise) Shake the front wheels while you are there ..

Any chance you have a bad tire/steel cord sticking out /bulging in the tires?? (i.e. tire noise)

 

Maybe a rock in the between the rotor and caliper?
If it doesn't sound metallic the perhaps the cabin vent behind the seats or even the cabin air filter?
Just guessin' here.

 

You mentioned in the opening post that you checked the u joints and "the rear has a very small amount of play". How much are you saying? Because there should be ZERO play in a universal joint. None at all.