Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) question for anyone

[Bill Stockard]

I had a jerking problem with a previously owned '00 3500. It only occured when I towed my 5th wheel trailer. I and my dealer chased the problem for some time. Finally, I thought of the electric brake controller. I disconected the brake controller and towed the trailer for a short distance-no jerking. I replaced the brake controller and the trouble never reappeared.



Bill

 

[bwromine]

I have a tekonsha brake controller (the best one I have ever had on a truck) but it grabs the brakes on this trailer really hard. It never did on my old trailer. Could this be the problem??

 

[DCreed]

easy enough to tell ,unplug it !

 

[RSimmons]

If the brakes are grabbing (like no brake then almost lockup) they probably need to be adjusted. Drum brakes with a loose adjustment will rock the shoe and bind tight. I have to adjust mine about once per year as I never back up and apply them hard enough to make the adjusters work.

 

[DSeamans]

I went through what sounds like same thing. Lots of time and money replacing everything that was possible and tested anything less than perfect. Finally called a performance shop up north. As soon as I said 6th gear and feeling like it was chugging they said replace the midshaft bearing. It has happened again and again was the bearing. The rubber donut around it doesnt hold up and lets the driveshaft shake. And, I take the shaft in to recheck balance and straightness each time.

 

[16919]

u may simply be bogging the engine, shift to 6th at a higher mph

I agree thats too slow for sixth pulling anything..... pick it up 5-7 mph.

 

[bwromine]

OK. I had a chance to pull my trailer last night to go rope. I pulled radiator over the seekend and cleaned. Should not affect the jerking just wanted to add. I took out the K&N air filter and installed stock filter while K&N was drying. The truck did not jerk at the speeds like it was. I am going to put K&N back in this afternoon and try it again. Will update.