So for the last 6 months, my truck makes a loud grind noise coming from under truck.
I Thought it was a loose heat shield, It wasn't. Then I thought it might be the tran fluid low, Its not.
IT happens when I'm in 1st gear taking off somewhere around 1k rpm and 2k rpm. I can control it happening.
It is VERY loud.
Could this be my Throwout bearing?
Any ideas would be very helpful.
THANKS,
Nick

The loud grinding noise, which you describe, makes it sound like the clutch is shot. I would drop the transmission and install a new Perfection or LuK clutch set, which includes a pressure plate, clutch disc, spline grease, pilot bearing, and alignment tool. The concentric slave cylinder/throwout bearing definitely should be replaced, too. It's not too difficult a job for a serious do-it-yourselfer.

Ok sounds good to me.
The only other thing I may not have mentioned is it's a 5 spd.
The drivability is EXCELLENT. Drives very well. CLutch feels good.
Just wondering if the clutch could be shot if it drives, takes and holds in gear excellent.
Thank you FOR THE RESPONSE
-Nick

5-speed manual, correct? Describe how you control the sound.

When I'm taking off. If I take off really slow or hold it at 1500 rpm the noise grinds until I get it up to around 1800 rpm. It doesn't do it in any other gear. Does that make sense? I can elaborate if needed
-Nick

Also,
Its 2wd. 4.2 liter. 200,000 miles, well maintaned.
-Nick

Verify if it's a manual transmission.

Yes it is a manual

Could it be a worn out idler pulley bearing? They frequently go bad. Does it sound like a bad bearing? Also, check the power steering pump. Try pumping out the fluid in the reservoir and refilling with new Mercon ATF, preferably full synthetic.

Possibly. If it helps took it to a mechanic, they said they didn't find anything. Throwout bearing has some wear. Could a throwout bearing make a loud grind fitting my description?

Yes, it's entirely possible, especially with 200,000 miles on the transmission. Throwout bearings take a beating.

Since you need to drop the transmission to get to the throwout bearing, you should replace everything I first mentioned. I enjoy rebuilding transmissions.

OK! Thank you! That makes great sense. I would pay you to do it, but I live in Kentucky. Haha.

SO how much $$ would you think it will run me? (going to a mom and pop type shop, no big transmission company)

Clutch set $190 and slave/throwout bearing $50 at Advance Auto Parts. Buy online and use discount codes for local pickup. Labor will likely be around 10 hours.

Afterwards, change the clutch hydraulic fluid, which is simply brake fluid; e.g. Valvoline. Your clutch has held up well, with 200,000 miles on it. I love Ford trucks.

Me too. I have 3. a 1996 ford f150 (farm truck), 1997 f150 (work truck) and 2005 f250.
Thank you for the tips/advice!
Will save your name for future questions!
-Nick

Thank you.

P.S. My experience has been to be suspicious of sealed bearings, especially when the vehicle has over 100,000 miles on it. Most wheel bearings, serpentine belt tensioner pulleys, A/C compressor pulley bearings, and distributor sealed bearings need replacing around this time. It's common to find the grease has dried out, like mud, and the bearings rattle. Typically, this is what I also find with pilot bearings and throwout bearings; unfortunately, you need to drop the transmission for access. Transmission bearings are subject to exceedingly high temperatures in a dirty environment. Clutch set manufacturers tend to be very careful who manufactures the bearings for them and the grease used.

OK thank you very much! ITs accurate you mentioned replacing those things. I just had the serpintine belt and tensioner pulley replaced.
Appreciate it!
-Nick