BAD VIBRATION AT ANY SPEED

[Archive]

I have a puzzling question for all of TDR Land. I recently purchased a used 1993 1 ton x-tended cab 4x4 dually. My problem all started when I brought the truck to the dealer for warranty work on the flex plate. When they pulled the automatic out to replace the flex plate, they reinstalled the trans, but didn't tighten the caps on the rear driveshaft all the way. When I would hit a pothole or expansion joint in the road, the truck would sound like I hit the wakeup strip on the side of the highway. It would continue to make the noise until I would come to a stop, then I could take off like nothing ever happened until the next bump in the road. I tightened the caps and the vibration went away for about a week. Now it happens quite frequently. I tried taking the truck out of gear when this happens to no avail. The vibration feels like its in the frame, not in the steering. I've looked at the front end while driving. When this vibration happens and the tires are running true, no shimmy at all! I've talked to two different dealers and they don't know what is causing the problem (or should I say they don't want to find the problem). My personal opinion is that the carrier bearing in the rear or something is loose under there. Please help. If you guys and gals can't, no "buddy" can. P. S. Both my wife and I drive Turbo Diesels. Thanks...

 

[Archive]

Set the parking brake or put chocks in front and rear of wheels or both, put the truck in neutral, crawl under the truck, grab the drive shaft right in front of the rear U-joint, try to move it side to side along the axis of the U-joint cross (in both directions) the caps may have worn when they were loose and if so the prop shaft is running out of round. I would also check the front U-joint for play. There should be no noticeable movement. If the truck has a two piece drive shaft check the center bearing and make sure the bolts in it are tight. bg

------------------
White 99 3500, QC, 3:55, auto. most options except leather, Line-X bed liner, fiberglass running boards Ranco 9000s, bug shield and window vents, black vented 5th wheel tailgate, aluminum tool box, 100 gal. aux. fuel tank not mounted yet.

 

[Archive]

J&T: The cap straps might be egged or stretched after running and or shaking while out of balance. Do the under inspection as per BG's tip. Look for any side shift or looseness between the cap or yoke (look at the cap / yoke mating surfaces for distortion. Loosen and re-torque the cap strap bolts, and check for stretching.
Regards.

 

[Archive]

J&T, had a similar vibe about three months ago. Turned out to be the U-joint on the front of my rear drive shaft where it mates with the T-case yolk. I found it using the previously mentioned diagnostic procedures and the fix took ~40min in the driveway. I did cut my old u-joint out with a torch... was the easier approach for me. Best of luck, kad

------------------
Stock '91 sc W250, 5sp, 3. 54's, 235/85's,250k+.

 

[Archive]

Have you checked the pinion angle? I have found that by adding a 2degree shim, it cured most of the driveline vibrations.

 

[Archive]

I CAN'T TELL YOU GUYS HOW REFRESHING IT IS TO TALK AND LISTEN TO PEOPLE THAT TRULY WANT TO HELP. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ALL YOUR RESPONSES TO MY DILEMA, AT LEAST NOW I CAN FOCUS ON THIS PART OF THE TRUCK! AS OF TODAY THE 28TH THE TRUCK IS BACK AT THE SHOP WHERE THE PROBLEM BEGAN. THE DEALER SAID THEY WILL LOOK AT IT ONE MORE TIME. MY WARRANTY IS GOOD UNTIL THIS AUGUST. WHILE IT'S IN THERE THEY ARE GOING TO TAKE THE NOSE OFF THE TRUCK BECAUSE OF THE DREADED COWL CRACKS IN THE CORNERS OF THE WINDSHIELD. FIRST THEY TOLD ME THE TRUCK WAS IN A BAD ACCIDENT THATS WHY IT SOUNDS LIKE A SODA CAN BENDING IN TWO WHEN YOU DRIVE IT DOWN THE ROAD. THANK GOD FOR T. D. R. I'VE KNOWN CUMMINS SINCE THE MID EIGHTYS,I WAS A DIESEL MECHANIC FOR A FORD INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY COMPANY. WE HAD THESE ENGINES IN WHEEL LOADERS AND EXCAVATORS. I BOUGHT MY FIRST TURBO DIESEL IN 1990 250 4X4 AUTO 4. 10 REAR, MY WIFE LOVES THIS TRUCK SHE PULLS A TWENTY EIGHT FOOT ALUMINIUM GOOSENECK HORSE TRAILER NO PROBLEMS WITH THIS TRUCK!!! I BOUGHT THIS 1993 IN 11/99. I CAN'T BELIEVE SO MUCH CAN GO WRONG IN SO LITTLE TIME. I'LL WORK ON IT AFTER THE WARRANTY IS OUT, BUT UNTIL THEN DODGE SHOULD FIX THESE PROBLEMS, THE PROBLEMS I DIDN'T HAVE UNTIL THEY WORKED ON THE TRUCK!!!I'LL KEEP YOU GUYS ABREAST ON WHAT HAPPENS WITH THIS TRUCK. P. S. OLD SCHOOL I'D LIKE TO PICK YOUR BRAIN ALITTLE ABOUT YOUR TRUCK. I'LL BE E-MAILING YOU SOON THANKS AGAIN ALL OF YOU!!!!! JOE&TD