Gravelly metallic rattle from tunnel/clutch area

Hello! Got a rattle that's really starting to get on nerves. Rattle sounds very tinny and gravelly, like a loose spring or something vibrating/scraping against metal. Seems to be coming from the gearbox tunnel/clutch area. You can hear it when it gets to higher revs in any gear but most prominent at 63-65 mph. Goes away with the clutch pedal down and also goes away when it gets above 70mph. Can't seem to replicate it by revving the engine at idle in any gear. Also getting the same sounds but really quiet when coasting in neutral, then it sounds like more like scratching. All props and UJs have been overhauled etc and I can't really see anything loose under the truck that would cause the sound. Anyone had anything similar? I was thinking maybe clutch springs or a release bearing but I'm not really sure how to make certain any help massively appreciated!

Sounds like thrust bearing. Can you feel anything through your left foot when depressing/releasing the clutch pedal...?

v8250 said:

Sounds like thrust bearing. Can you feel anything through your left foot when depressing/releasing the clutch pedal...?

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Thanks! Nothing at all, it’s heavy but that’s pretty standard… 2nd gear doesn’t go in at anything above 15mph when the gearbox is cold but that’s the only other issue with the drive train really

hbhughes said:

Thanks! Nothing at all, it’s heavy but that’s pretty standard… 2nd gear doesn’t go in at anything above 15mph when the gearbox is cold but that’s the only other issue with the drive train really

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Okay, not sure why folk think Defender clutches are heavy. As long as in good condition they are only medium pressure. Second gear should work from standstill and often a good number of Defender drivers use second gear to pull away with, especially when starting off down slope/hill - your issue here sounds like a new clutch and thrust bearing's needed. Suggest replacing with HD bearing and HD thrust arm, then adjust clutch cylinder to correct pedal height. If after this you still have second gear problem it's either the gear lever adjustment/alignment, clean and re-grease, and new lever return spring. If not this, issue could be internal to gearbox but it's worth replacing the clutch [mileage/condition dependent] and checking over the gearbox whilst out.

Thanks very much! Will give all that a try