Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Driveline Vibration??

[SMadden]

I just bought my Dodge a couple of weeks ago. I have not really driven it on the highway much until this week. At between 65 and 69 there is this vibration and sound coming from the rear. This is about 2100 rpm and I have tried to make it do it in third and second at that rpm just to rule out the straight pipe but it will only do it at 65 to 69. I know it's not the tires ( I was in the tire business for 4 years ). I have installed lift kits on trucks and had the pinion angle get off and this is what it feels, sounds like. But this is a 99 4x4 with 4. 10 gears sitting at the factory height. I crawled under the truck to check the u-joints ( no play in them but I have not taken them out and checked for tight spots ) and I saw that a weight had came off of the front of the rear drive shaft. Maybe thats it, what do yall think ? I am thinking it sounds more like it's coming from the ring and pinion. I will be taking it back to the dealer in the morning because it's under warranty. I am asking just in case someone here has run into the same problem so I can maybe help the dealer out a little

P. S. I just took the EZ off for the trip to the dealer and man this thing sure is a pig without it

Cya, SMadden

 

[JAlford]

If you have the longbed, check the center support bearing on the driveshaft also. Most likely the weight is the problem. The weight problem in turn will damage the center bearing, or could be related. If that isn't it, start looking at the transfer case fluid and rear axle. Or also make sure that all the bolts are on the universal straps on the driveshaft. Mine picked up a vibration, and I finally found it was a sheared bolt on the universal strap at the pinion.

Jeff

 

[Loren]

My guess is the weight also.



I was surprised at how critical balancing a driveshaft is. When I installed my U. S. Gear overdrive, both front and rear driveshafts had to be lengthened/shortened and re-balanced.



I got some vibration and the driveshaft guy checked his work and found that one was out of balance. It made a noticeable difference.



Good luck finding the problem. That's at least half the battle.



Loren