Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Another strange noise

[jimnance]

Just recently I noticed a noise when I accelerate. It is most noticeable when lightly accelerating from a dead stop and sounds like something in the bed shifting back and hitting something. The strange thing is that it does not happen exactly at the moment of acceleration. There is about a 1/2 second lag before I feel the "thump".



I haven't found anything loose.



Any ideas?

 

[lschultz]

Info

Need more info?Year,4x4,5sp/Auto,mileage,when did it start,etc???I think I read somewhere about a baffle in fuel tank comming loose and fuel splashing around. But there could be other things causing it.

 

[rspinks]

I posted this awhile back:



"I have a small driveline clunk that is most noticeable when I make not-so-smooth upshifts. This is most noticeable from 1st to 2nd, then it gets progressively less through 3rd and 4th so that I can notice it in 5th. I only have 6000 miles and it's been there since new. The clunk feels like something may be shifting in the drivetrain (axle shifting from loose u-bolts?) because it takes some amount of torque to cause it. It's not like a sloppy u-joint or too much ring gear backlash where you can feel the play by just feathering the throttle from coast to accelerate. "



Sound similar? Mine's done it since new, 2001 6spd HO.



Rich

 

[jimnance]

It doesn't feel like play in the driveline. If it was I would think that you would feel it as the play was taken up as soon as I accelerate. In this case the 1/2 second lag makes it seem like something is loose and has to shift a bit before the "bump".



99 Dodge QC 4X4 2500 diesel with 4" Cat Back exhaust, Edge EZ, and 4. 10 driveline.



The noise just started a couple of weeks ago. Oh, it appeared shortly after some cargo shifted forward causing the front of the bed to bend and slightly damage the back of the cab. I pulled the bed back and didn't see anything loose. Now I'm wondering if it could have something to do with the bed mounts?

 

[tractoriden1]

when you find a solution to your problem, i would love to know. i have been fighting the same problem for over a year. i can not figure it out as well. i have checked everything from motor back and all looks good. i have started to consider front end. my ride is a 00 3500 4by. i posted the similiar complant a while back and i am still trying to find results. i will keep all posted if any positive finds.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

HMMMm - could it be a dry slip joint in the driveshaft that binds/unbinds during accelleration?

 

[DKupfrian]

Has anyone solved this? I have noticed this problem. If I pull the driveshaft and grease it, can I expect any fluid to come out? Do I need to drain the transfer case?



Thanks

 

[DKupfrian]

I think I figured this out! It really seamed like the drive shaft was not slipping in and out of the transfer case. I heard if this happens, pull the driveshaft and grease the splines.



I was about to do this when I remember I brought my truck in twice for a leaking t-case. Since it still leaks and the problem was never fixed, I figured I would check the level. I pulled the top plug and put my finger in. I could not feel any ATF. I figured I was due for a change so I pulled the bottom plug. Less than one quart came out! My guess is that the spline should be lubed by AFT in the t-case and since the fluid was low, it wasn't getting any. I filled it with 2 quarts of Dextron III and a quart of Lucas to see if that helps stop the leak.



I haven't had a chance to drive it yet but expect this to be the fix to the loose bowling ball feeling in bed. If you have this problem, check the level in your t-case. It's real easy to do and you just need a 3/8 allan wrench.



Wish me luck!

 

[DKupfrian]

Well I have not driven a lot but think I cured my problem. I am embarrassed I let the T-case get so low on fluid. I guess I will check it with every oil change now...