Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) launch shudder

[dougs455]

Just installed a Tuff Country 5" lift on my 99 3500 4x4 QC long bed. It has an open 80 rear, SB clutch 5 speed, split drive shaft etc. I removed the factory over load leafs and spacers so the new u bolts would fit. A new set of blocks (1/2 inch taller and different angle) and an add a leaf were installed on the rear. Now there is a shudder on take off in 1st and 2nd gear at low rpms. Low as in less than 2000 rpm. It wont do it in 3rd to 5th even if its wide open and pouring smoke. Highway speeds its fine or unnoticable. This wasn't a problem before at all. I could launch full throttle in 4 wheel 2nd gear and no shudder. Is this a carrier bearing problem or do I need traction bars? I dont see any bearing drop kits for sale for the 2nd gen trucks. I could buy traction bars but they're not cheap and an expense I don't want to have right now if its not the problem. The rear driveshaft angle doesn't seem to be as bad as the front angle. The local 4x4 place suggested that I drop the carrier bearing so the driveshaft is in a perfectly straight line. Anyone else with a 2nd gen run into this problem before? Any advice is appreciated.





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[dougs455]

No drivetrain experts?

Come on guys... .

 

[Joe Mc]

If you had no problem before the lift install I would suspect shaft angle as a place to start. I'm almost sure that I saw a post with a carrier spacer out there in TDR land somewhere. Try the TSB section, look in driveline - I think that's where I saw it. Back to the angle - I'm no expert but the new blocks have an angle on them - right - maybe too much or too little - I'd shoot for the carrier spacer first. If you can't find one get some 1/4" flat stock and make your own as a place to start - just don't go too crazy stacking on top of each other you'll end up w/problems on the front half. Let us know what you find out.

 

[dougs455]

Do you think this a carrier bearing problem? I cant seem to find any bearing drop kits for sale for the 2nd gen trucks. That tells me its not a common problem. I refuse to believe I'm the only one with this exact setup and problem. A one piece driveshaft has also ran through my head.

 

[dougs455]

I'm gonna make my own traction bars I guess. I've pm'd and email with no response. Nice. I love this site.

 

[TSBrown]

had same problem as you with skyjacker 4. 5 lift. i ended up dropping the carrier an 1" with some shims and longer 3/8 bolts it helped a little. but the only way i could get the rest of the shimmy out was to spin the angled shim between the spring and lift block. thick side forward it rotates your pinion angle down. dont know if it was the right thing to do but it fixed my shimmy. and by the way if you look in my gallery you'll see what your carrier's gonna look like with a lift,smarty,and no ladder bar after a few good launches

 

[dougs455]

Wow that is horrible!! I'm gonna check mine out in the morning.

 

[KKunz]

I had a shutter when I was going slowly turned out the pinion nut backed off. When you did the lift did you remove the factory over load spring, the big thick one that sits on top of the block?