New here, thanks in advance for your advice. It is a 96 Tacoma v6 4wd.

When I load or unload the drivetrain, as in take my foot off the gas while accelerating or giveit gas while decelerating I hear a distinct click/ping sound. 2 or 4wd no difference. It's getting more frequent. Any suggestions what to check? Vehicle is not modified.

 

Welcome to YotaTech... i would check the u-joints first

 

How fast is the clicking, does it happen several times with each wheel rotation? or just once ever wheel rotation?

If it happens several times it's probably the driveshaft u-joint(s), if it happens like clockwork with every wheel rotation it could be a bad axle bearing.

To track it down lift your truck up safely and put it in drive (I suggest the correct lift at a garage if you know someone). You can grab the cable for the e-brake on the rear axle and stop one wheel then then other to check if it is a bad axle bearing. If it is the u-joint when your down there you'll be able to hear it as well.

 

I have the same problem. I have replaced my rear u-joint in my driveshaft. Didn't help. I have tried everything....nothing It's been going on for at least 3 years and I can NOT find the source of the noise....i have had techs look at it and no avail. The only thing I can't pinpoint is maybe it's my cardigan joint of my rear driveshaft.

 

Thanks for the posts. It doesn't happen in any cyclical way, like with each wheel turn or shaft turn. It just happens at the moment when the power is applied or reversed to the drive train. It's kind of a mettalic "ping."

If something breaks or I find it I'll post up and let you know what it was...

 

I know that this doesn't help you with your situation but...I have an 82 Toyota Cressida with 275K on it - just started making that exact same sound about 3K miles ago....when I get time, I am going to check my dshaft to rear end bolts to make sure they are tight....

 

motor or trans mounts? possibly loose exhaust?