Bottom end knock between engine and transmission

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02ram4x4

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Hi guys, newbie to the forums and needing a lil help. I have a bottom end knock that sounds like it's coming from between engine and transmission. My oil pressure is perfect, it never changes. I removed the inspection plate and I believe the sound got a little louder. I checked the fp to cv bolts and they are tight. I can't really see if there are any cracks in fp. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. 2002 ram 1500 4.7 4x4
 

RonJon '06

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You don't think it's coming from inside the engine? If it's a true knock then it's most likely a bad rod bearing. Less likely would be a main bearing or wrist pin. If the tone ring were loose I'd think it would be throwing codes and running like crap. Is the flex plate loose? There are 8 bolts connecting the fp to the crankshaft but you can't get at them with out dropping the transmission or pulling the engine.
 
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02ram4x4

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You don't think it's coming from inside the engine? If it's a true knock then it's most likely a bad rod bearing. Less likely would be a main bearing or wrist pin. If the tone ring were loose I'd think it would be throwing codes and running like crap. Is the flex plate loose? There are 8 bolts connecting the fp to the crankshaft but you can't get at them with out dropping the transmission or pulling the engine.

It seemed like it was coming from tc/fp area. I removed inspection plate and took tc loose and pushed it back I then spun tc with my fingers to check for clearance and started the engine. Knock is still there. Fp bolts are tight as far as I can tell, and no visible cracks. The tc bolts were barely tight at all, a short box end wrench and light bump with my hand and they were loose. I am now leaning towards a spun bearing. Is it possible to change with engine in truck.
 

RonJon '06

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It seemed like it was coming from tc/fp area. I removed inspection plate and took tc loose and pushed it back I then spun tc with my fingers to check for clearance and started the engine. Knock is still there. Fp bolts are tight as far as I can tell, and no visible cracks. The tc bolts were barely tight at all, a short box end wrench and light bump with my hand and they were loose. I am now leaning towards a spun bearing. Is it possible to change with engine in truck.

As long as the crankshaft turns you can replace all the rod bearings without removing the engine but more than likely the crankshaft will need to be refurbished or replaced. If that's the case you're better off pulling the engine. You could remove the oil pan and inspect the bottom end before deciding what to do next.
 
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02ram4x4

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As long as the crankshaft turns you can replace all the rod bearings without removing the engine but more than likely the crankshaft will need to be refurbished or replaced. If that's the case you're better off pulling the engine. You could remove the oil pan and inspect the bottom end before deciding what to do next.

Thank you for your time and the info, greatly appreciated
 
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