Need some help, 2000 xe 4x4. driving in any gear, at approx 1500-1700 rpm low level noise, rattle, vibration coming from pass.side front area. When out of gear(stopped or rolling) no noise. also, a sort of rubbing noise from front wheels in 2wd. If I move the 2-4wd stick to engage 4wd (but not engaging 4wd)the rubbing stops. when same stick pushed forward rubbing starts again. no rubbing noise in 4wd.

Vibration: dollars to donuts it's the usual heat shield rattle. Search "heat shield" in the problems/annoyances section for all you need to know.
Rubbing: nothing comes to mind other than maybe an issue with the 4x4 locking hubs, but that's a longshot.

its probably the heat sheild on the catalitic converter. I had the same problem except driver side and now its nice and quiet becuase i ripped that thing off.