Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Help!! Possible U-joint problem!!

[DHarden]

A few days ago I noticed a weird sound coming from my 1999 2500 5 spd. It sounded like something was hitting the back of my tailgate whenever I gave a little throttle after shifting into first gear. No other gear, except maybe reverse, has this noise. It just feels really sloppy and for an instant it feels like my back end of the truck is going to fall off. I figured it was a bad U-joint but after inspection the joints felt tight and looked as if they were still lubricated. I'm at college right now and don't have many tools/help as of now, is there anything I can do/check before I go to napa and get some new u-joints??? Is there a way to greese the joints b/c I don't believe there are any fittings on them?



Thanks!

 

[B.G. Smith]

Sounds like driveline related. Did you have the truck in neutral when you checked the u-Joints? If not, the joint can be under tension/torque and not show any slack. Put trans. in neutral and be sure truck is blocked where it won't run over you and check again, also look at the the u-bolts on the springs to differential and make sure they are not loose. Also might want to look at the bolts holding the ends of the axles at the hubs. Another thought since I see you are in school, (no personal reflection intended) someone didn't put an empty aluminum keg in the bed of your truck did they bg

 

[Tcolesanti]

Like B. G. said check the driveline for movement when its in neutral, also check the u-joint strap bolts to see if they are loose. U-bolts will give you a crab feeling under hard acceleration if they are loose, too.

 

[BudPhoto]

It is very interesting that you brought this up. I have just returned from a trip and heard clunking in my rear end whenever I would step on or let off the accelerator. Upon inspection, the rear u-joint is bad. My question is not should I replace it. I'm more interested in a better aftermarket u-joint. This truck only has 40,000 miles on it. If there is something better than stock, I would be interested in hearing what the rest of you have experienced.

 

[skillsaw]

I had some slop & clunks from my driveline a bit ago & it ended up being the hanger bearing at the connection of the 2 rear driveshafts (longbed). It was minimal noise/movement under my first inspection for the noise, & a few weeks later... It was awful!! $50 part - has to be pressed on.



My $. 02



-Erik

 

[Camara]

AHad the same problem 3 times. The hanger bearing had come apart. replaced it first time at about 50,000 mi. Second time arund 75,000 mi. the third time was at 77,000 miles. We found that the slip joint had a bad area in it and was getting stuck and would knock the bearing out of its mount. I had a new drive shaft made with a GREASABLE slip joint. I presently have 122,000 and no more viabration, clunks or whatever. BTW about $550 including machine shop, u joints and bearing.