shudder on take off from stop

[puller]

I have a shudder in the drive line when I start from a stop with a load (heavy fifth wheel). I have read several posts on this and one of the suggestions has been to shim the center hanger bearing. What is the shim size does Dodge supply? Also does anyone know the correct drive shaft angles, I would like to try that also. The truck is still under warranty and the dealer has said he doesn't have any documentation on this. Any help would be appreciated.



Puller

 

[JHardwick]

I'd find a new dealer, there is tons of documentation on this subject.

 

[DPKetchum]

There is a TSB on this. Tells DEALER how to measure with a inclination gauge. Takes all of 20 minutes. Then the chart shows what shims to order. Truck has to be fully loaded(trailer etc)and a level spot in the parking lot etc. But FIRST I'd add a bottle of anti chatter additive to it and see what it does. My truck did that loaded and differantil hot. My measurments were in the middle of specs. Added some anti chatter additive additive and fixed.

 

[BHolm]

There is a TSB on this. Tells DEALER how to measure with a inclination gauge. Takes all of 20 minutes. Then the chart shows what shims to order. Truck has to be fully loaded(trailer etc)and a level spot in the parking lot etc. But FIRST I'd add a bottle of anti chatter additive to it and see what it does. My truck did that loaded and differantil hot. My measurments were in the middle of specs. Added some anti chatter additive additive and fixed.

I agree with the above. The diff isn't supposed to need the anti chatter additive but my '03 dually sure liked it! Never needed it in any of my SRW trucks but the DRW definately benefitted. Cheap fix if it works for you.

 

[tkerrigan]

Just put some air bags on the rear. The weight of the fifth wheel really puts the two piece drive line in an awkward angle. Look at the drive line loaded and unloaded, loaded the rear piece of the drive line actually aims uphill to the dif. I got my airbags and pump from Summit and haven't had any problems since. I run 5psi unloaded and 50psi loaded.

 

[DPKetchum]

Shouldn't have to use or pay for airbags. With my 3 horse 8 foot LQ trailer my truck sits level. Just touchs the helper springs. Pulls great then,better then the butt of it up in the air.

 

[JHardwick]

I've tried a couple of rear end lubes, and it chatters with everything except Mobile1. I think what he has is drive line shudder and a lazy dealer.

 

[gator 6]

shudder

i had this problem when mine was an automatic and stock,but mine is a shortbed quad cab. after driving my self crazy trying to find it i noticed that it only shimmied when taking off making a turn from a slow roll or stop. i finally figured it was the anti-spin in the rear end. i figured it out when one of my friends was riding in my truck and he noticed it as well. then i rode in someone elses and it did not do it, he did not have the anti spin rear end. hopefully this helps a little bit.

 

[puller]

Thanks to all who have replied. Does anyone have the TSB number? The dealer I am using doesn't know up from down. The only reason I go there is they were the lowest sale price and they are close.

Puller

 

[DPKetchum]

Dodge Ram Information look at 03-003-4 I think. Its under 04 model year at least but its the same deal for all.