low rpm rattle/vibration

[TRoberts]

My 03 longbed 5 speed has a loud 'tinny 'vibration not too far above idle. [in gear under load] It sounds like what I would expect a heat shield or a large piece of sheet metal vibrating to sound like. It's not a huge deal but while easing through campgrounds or town driving, makes the truck sound awful. A couple of us rode through Cades Cove in Tenn. in the back of the truck and were surprised how loud it is. You'd think it would be very obvious where it is coming from, but the sound transmits through whole truck. Once you accelerate past it it is very quiet. Thanks for any suggestions/ideas.

 

[betterthanstock]

It's the whole drivetrain, gears, engine, clutch, hitting one of the resonant frequencies. My 2000 Nissan did it too, as did my 89 plymouth. Just avoid it, give it a little gas (err, diesel), and stay above that frequency. It's stressful on parts, so don't stay there for long.



Dual mass flywheels may help, but do you really want that?





On edit: It's also called lugging.