On my 05 Expedition (66,000 miles) I recently noticed a clink or tinny noise coming from the rear end when shifting into reverse or drive. The transmission engages and there's the noise - it's brief and happens as the slack in the drive train is taken up. I can hear it about equal from either wheel.

I checked the third member and it's full of oil. There's a very slight leak from the pinion - coming out the center and into the drive shaft mounting flange and not from the flange but the fluid level is at the top of the plug hole. The axle shafts seem tight with the passenger side having some slight movement in/out. I'm not sure if there should be any play.

I did a search and noticed a thread about this same thing here: https://www.fordforum.com/forum/ford-f-250-ford-f-350-15/rear-end-10603/

Any help is appreciated.

 

Is the noise as soon as the gear shifts into place or when you apply a little to accelerator?

 

You have to look at the dates. You are responding to a 12 year old post.