I was one my way home and decided to take a 30min detour. The trail consisted of alot of small rocks, very bumpy, and I used 4lo and 1st or 2nd gear to be easy on the clutch. Well I would hear a noise that I can best describe as a 2lb metal ball rolling around on top of my skid plate. It sounds like more of a thump that a clang. It only happened about 12 times while on the trail and only when it was bumpy. I dont remember if it happened only when I was on the throttle or not. I have the diff drop installed if that makes any difference in the diagnosis.

Any input is appreciated even if its a "I couldn't tell you what the hell that is."

 

Did you look on top of the skidplate to see if there were any 2lb metal balls rolling around? Anything else in there that might be making noise - loose shaft, sway bar...? Anything external that makes noise is probably going to leave a mark, so look for anyplace that's rougher or shinier than the rest of the truck.
(Please note that I avoided the all-to-easy jokes about your truck having/needing balls.)

 

Ill try anything to get rid of the noise, but not a sex change for my 4runner.

 

Maybe it's a 2lb ROCK that's rolling around on your skidplate...

 

I've had the same problem for a long time on my runner. I think I saw a post a while back that attributed it to something in the steering mechanics.

 

I would say take off your skid plate, and check to see if anything's loose under there.

edit: It might be really tough so have some pb plaster and maybe a breaker bar handy in case you need it.

 

I'll probably try this. The bolts shouldnt be too tough, I just took it off a few weeks ago to install the diff drop.