Shudder in rev. cure?

[Archive]

Some may remember discussions about a problem of a severe shudder when letting out the clutch in reverse. It seems to be something that has been present from the beginning. The mopar fix helped only marginally at best. The other day I saw a product in the other forum that looks like it would cure this annoying flaw. It is an active suspension part that connects to the rear leaf spring and appears to keep it from oscilating when under load. web site is www.drivetrain.com/activesuspension.html
It also acts like a smooth acting overload spring and the price is reasonable.
Anyone here tried one? What do you think?
Thanks

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92 D250 5spd 3. 54 std cab, Banks exhaust,Isspro EGT&Boost gages,18cm Turbo.
67 Dodge R/T
67 Charger
98 Grand Cherokee
97 Stratus
Mopar Only Here
Tulsa 2000 Survivor.

 

[Archive]

Hey Preleeguy!

I don't know if you have been over in the Product Forum lately but they were discussing Active Suspension. I believe it's the same system you are inquiring about. They're dicussion is revolving more around axle wrap or hop. Don't know if it will help but check it out. "Active Suspension to control axle wrap" by Doc Tinker 4/15/2000.

Keeno

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1992 W250 5spd. 3. 54 gears, LSD, Banks "Stinger Plus" consisting of a 14cm2 wastegated housing, 3 1/2" exhaust/muffler, pyro/boost gage, K&N, Skyjacker 2 1/2" front suspension lift to clear 305/70R/16 Goodyear MT's, Mag-Hytec, Amsoil

 

[Archive]

Hi Keeno,Iknow about the other post, infact that is where I got the web site address. I just thought it looked like a good solution to our 1st gen problem and wanted to bring it over here to see if anyone had tried it on one of the old trucks. It looks to me like it would work. I hope someone has tried it. The price is right if it will work.

 

[Archive]

Hey Preleeguy!

Sorry, I didn't do my homework before making the suggestion!

My truck is a 4x4, and this shudder seems to be amplified by the lift blocks. I have been wondering if it's a rear spring / 4" lift block combo problem and if the Skyjacker rear springs (w/o the lift block) would eliminate this shudder/bounce? Maybe not, does a D250 have lift blocks?

It's hard for me to tell if it's an axle wrap problem or clutch chatter in mine. I can also get a shudder when starting out in 1st & 2nd if I "Fat Foot" the clutch.

Keeno

 

[Archive]

Hi Keeno.

Thanks for the welcome!

Getting rid of the blocks may not help at all. I have the shudder also and my '93 4X4 does not have spacer blocks
or auxilliary springs even though the service manual shows both for W250/W350 trucks. I have the "7600 lb rear spring" option which simply has a thick stack of 10 leaves per spring. This is the kind of setup a rear spring lift kit uses that has no blocks. I think clutch chatter starts the oscillation and it is worse in reverse because the springs simply react to reverse wrapping more severly. In reverse the pinion of the rear end tends to dip down and makes the steep drive shaft angle steeper (temporarily) which I think also increases the "acceleration" of the pinion, sort of like the feel you get when turning a corner in four wheel drive on a hard surface. This may be the last straw before shudder occurs. I just relatively quickly release the clutch or if that means to much speed then try to find that VERY small sweet spot where it doesn't oscillate. These first generation diesel 4X4's have excellent ground clearance from the factory and the price for that may be some annoyance in driving them unloaded with steep drive shaft angles (don't go over 50 mph with front hubs locked, ect. )

 

[Archive]

Hi Keeno.

Thanks for the welcome!

Getting rid of the blocks may not help at all. I have the shudder also and my '93 4X4 does not have spacer blocks
or auxilliary springs even though the service manual shows both for W250/W350 trucks. I have the "7600 lb rear spring" option which simply has a thick stack of 10 leaves per spring. This is the kind of setup a rear spring lift kit uses that has no blocks. I think clutch chatter starts the oscillation and it is worse in reverse because the springs simply react to reverse wrapping more severly. In reverse the pinion of the rear end tends to dip down and makes the steep drive shaft angle steeper (temporarily) which I think also increases the "acceleration" of the pinion, sort of like the feel you get when turning a corner in four wheel drive on a hard surface. This may be the last straw before shudder occurs. I just relatively quickly release the clutch or if that means to much speed then try to find that VERY small sweet spot where it doesn't oscillate. These first generation diesel 4X4's have excellent ground clearance from the factory and the price for that may be some annoyance in driving them unloaded with steep drive shaft angles (don't go over 50 mph with front hubs locked, ect. )