shutter in first and second

[Elk]

Well here is my problem, I have a 2003 3500 with 373 gears 6spd, also 40k on the ticker. When I pull my 33 foot toyhauler aprox 14k I get this violent shutter in 1st and 2nd but once in third I do not feel it at all. It used to be only when pulling hard in those gears, but now it is very violent and feels like something is going to come apart. Today with out the trailer slowing down it shuddered. I have crawled under and checked all the u-joints and can not feel any slop like one is going out, no extra viberation other then the dreaded 70mph one. It is so bad that I am going to pull my trailer back from hunting camp with the 97. I plan on going to the dealer but in the past the forum members have been alot more knoweldgeable. Thanks in advance.

 

[Slow Six]

I'm not 100% sure on this but I just changed all my u joints a couple of weeks ago and I have no shudder on take off and there seems to be a lot less drive train slack. My old u joints did not seem bad but one was almost dry and the other two had very little grease left in them. I replaced with the 351's and so far it was the right thing to do. The factory joints are basically void of any grease thus they do not last.

 

[DPKetchum]

Sounds like a u/joint seizing.

 

[bworthington]

Mine did that at 50k. Its and 03 and the dealer said the front u-joint was frozeup. that took care of it

 

[Elk]

I will have them checked out, because now it is not even driveable shakes so bad. Does anyone know if this is covered under the 7/70 warrantee?

 

[Slow Six]

Even if it is under warranty they will put in the same crap u joint. If I had known what I do now at the time the 1st. joints went I would have saved the $100. 00 deductible and put it towards good joints.

 

[mrsnow]

I just had a U-joint sieze, caused a terrible vibration. When it first started doing it I also grabbed the drive shaft and found no slop. Seems that the factory joints only last for about 35-40k if your towing or driving hard.