Truck shaking while pulling hill

[RWorth]

Just received a phone call from my friend, who is camping at a state park and is the only rv there, asking what would cause the front of the truck to start shaking when pulling a hill. I am not sure what the grade of the hill is but he was pulling, with his 5ver, in tow the hill at 40 mph when this shaking started. Just to let everyone know this also happened a few days ago while the truck was empty and not pulling a grade. The truck is a 96 4wd auto 4. 10 with a TST #8 plate. The trans was rebuilt by DC last June under warranty. I tried to get more details from my friend but it startled him to the point that he just concentrated on the shaking and he forgot to see if he was loosing mph or if the rpm's went up while holding the mph. Any thoughts from the members on what might be causing this would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Forrest]

ROG, was it surging on & off like the throttle is being pushed & then let off?

 

[HEMI®Dart]

Have him check all the front end components for slop or wear. Ball joints are a common wear item. Track Bar, Steering damper, tie rod ends ect.

I'll bet something is loose or worn on the front suspension.


[This message has been edited by HEMI®Dart (edited 04-07-2001). ]

 

[tomg]

I'm inclined to think that he is in that critical rpm range in overdrive lockup wherein the rpm is so low [1100rpm] that he feels each cylinder fire shaking the truck. Mine did it until I had it reprogramed to go into overdrive lockup at 50 mph. there is an advisory on this feature.

 

[BCFAST]

Im with Tom on this one... my first guess is an internal trans. problem... slipping bands or something...

------------------
97 2500 CC 4x4 3. 54, 5spd, Green, #12 plate, 4inch open exhaust, 235/85 Michelins, RS 9000's, PrimeLoc, Red Tops, TDR cloisonae grill badge!

 

[HVAC]

Sounds like the torque converter.

 

[RWorth]

Ok, I finally got to take a ride in my friends truck and this is what I felt. When the truck was between 35 to 50 mph with the foot off the throttle and the RPM's at the low end the foot back on the throttle and not wot, the front of the truck felt as if it was going over a bunch of small speed bumps that were close together. Sometimes he would let off the throttle a little and go back into the throttle and the problem would be gone. This vibration would appear on slight inclines as well. The problem would not appear while going 65 to 70 mph and would not always appear while taking big inclines. Now I believe I found the throttle position sensor on the front of the pump. Can I take this off and see if it is dirty or has a wear spot or am I even looking in the right area. Another thing that we found is that throttle has a slight catch in it. It doesn't feel like a cable because the catch would show up when I would check the travel limit with my hand doing the actuating. Anyway I thank all of who have replied and I hope that we can figure this problem out. BTW the RPM's do not rise while this happens and the truck does continue to gain speed.
The truck is a 96 auto 4x4 4:10 with a #8 plate 230/605.
Thanks again

[This message has been edited by ROG (edited 04-09-2001). ]

 

[inarush76]

Sounds like could be converter clutch. When shaking occurs, hold steady throttle and touch brake pedal lightly(cancels lockup) and see if shuddering stops,if so is likely converter. Sounds like it's time for DTT! I am a builder and installer approved by Bill at DTT located near Dallas. Let me know it I can help.
James Northum