shudder when pulling

[packmule]

I just installed set of Air Lifts on truck, attached 5th wheel 34ft. Carriage and pumped up Air Lifts to original ride height. Pulling in 3rd gear truck really wants to shudder to the point you have to back off, tried lowering pressure with some sucess any one else have this problem? My dad did on his Ram V10 put in Air Lifts and cured his problem, also read the TSB on it but not sure why mine is doing this. Sorry for being so long winded thanks Packmule

 

[pathaymond]

pack mule

your signature isnt on your post we do not know what you have for a set up. may have some ideas for you let us know what you have please Thanks Patrick

 

[packmule]

Sorry I thought I put it on . 97 2500 slt 5spd 3. 54 limited slip ,TST plate, thanks Patrick... Packmule

 

[pathaymond]

I see you have a 5 speed all I can offer is this I had a 93 5 speed and in certain pulling situations that sucker would shudder badly under hard torque applications only. I was told to live with it and I did just that this truck got abused alot when it comes to pulling and bad situations of such. and I never touched the engine or drivetrain other than routine stuff. Had over 500K when I sold it. Maybe your situation is just as mine was then My 98 auto will shudder at times but I know thats the wonderfull trannie I have compliments of diamler. . I may be way off base here But I have logged a few cummins miles. I will watch this thread and maybe I can help more somehow. good luck Patrick

 

[RHARVEY]

If you give it a little more throttle or alot more does the shudder go away???

I had something like that and it turned out to be that the throttle return springs were too weak. On our 97's there is a TSB for that but Dodge wants $200 for something that you can do for about $5. Stiffer springs did the trick on my 97. And yes it was only when I was towing my 5er. .



Rick

 

[Extreme1]

What RPM are you at when it does it?

 

[Boldt's Wagon]

Packmule: Do you have a two piece driveshaft. The automatics have the shudder problem when pulling and it is fixed by putting a 3/8 inch shim plate between the hanger bearing and frame.

 

[redramnc]

For 96's there is a TSB about the two-piece drive shaft shuddering under almost full load take-offs. Drive line angles get too straight with the rear end squatted. One solution is to go to one-peice driveshaft but I imagine it is expensive to do so. Shim idea may be best fix. Jack up your Air Lifts to higher than stock ride height and see if that helps.

 

[packmule]

Thanks guys for the info. . I do have a 2 piece driveshaft with carrier bearing it feels ok. The shudder is only in 3rd gear between 2250 and 2500 rpm just when you get in gear and start pulling hard, if I give it more gas I am afraid the whole drive line will be bouncing down the road. I have to let off quick and accelerate much slower. This did not happen until I took off the overload springs and installed the air lifts my thought was I would return the truck to its original ride height and cut down on the angle of the driveline which was the problem my dad had pulling his 5th with a v10 Ram. ? do you think the ride is to stiff I also had the Rancho shocks set on 5, and the air bags around 80Lbs that brought me back to original ride height, thanks again I will look int the throttle return springs and shim. . packmule

 

[pathaymond]

Boldts wagon.

you have my attention on the shim situation I have the 98 auto would this help me?? I do get the shudder some times? just thought it was the transmission? any input is appreciated thanks Patrick

 

[Boldt's Wagon]

I had the shudder when starting out with the 11,000 lb fifth wheel and 5,700 lbs on the rear axle. Bill Kondolay noticed it with a test pull on the trailer after he installed the DTT stuff. He said that the shudder could cause damage to the rear end and recommended a 3/8 inch shim plate. I fabricated and installed the plate a week later and it appears to have fixed the launch shudder. I have never felt a shudder at higher speeds/rpm. I think that the additional torque in low gear caused the axle to wrap up enough to cause the u-joints to create the shudder.

 

[pathaymond]

Thanks for the info Boldts wagon I am patiently waiting for the time and money to do the dtt deed. I will keep the shim in mind makes sense You know my 93 always did that under a heavy load man its a wonder it survived I guess huh. always something new to learn. Thanks again Patrick