In the last few days i have developed a strange noise form the chassis. At first I thought it was just an annoying vinyl-on-vinyl interior noise but I was able to verify this is coming from the rear underside of the truck.
When I start rolling from a dead stop or when I slow to a dead stop I can hear what can only be described as a low groan. It sounds almost like metal stretching (if that is possible). To verify I was able to put the truck in drive w/ the door open (in a parking lot) and I can verify that the sound is coming from outside underneath and not from the interior. I can also get it to make the noise if I rock the steering back and forth while moving down the road. However i can not get it to make the noise if the truck is parked and I rock the body on the shocks and springs. Only happens when in fwd or rev motion. Just started a few days ago and my be related to a temp drop and some recent rain.
Sometimes it is quiet and sometimes it is downright unsettling. As far as i can tell the sound is equal on both sides at or behind the rear axle. I am suspecting a bushing or maybe some chassis-to-body mounting point is going out. Any Ideas?
btw, this is a 1997 Disco w/ a 3" OME lift. Long travel shocks and RTE cones.