Front end Vibration

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Jul 25, 2002 | 01:41 PM

frey69

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Joined: Jul 2002

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From: Philadelphia USA

Front end Vibration

Here is my Question. I have a 1988 F-150 4x4 with a ruumble or vibration in the front end while I am driving. It started to show up 2 to 3 weeks ago and is getting worse and I am at a lose. When I am driving until I hit around 30 it is fine. When I step on the gas it seems to go away. When I hit around 60 it becomes very noticable but when I let off the gas to coast it goeas away, and then when I feather the gas to keep it around 60 it is VERY noticable.
Does Anyone have any ideas?
Thanks

Jul 25, 2002 | 01:43 PM

winfordr

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Joined: Jan 2001

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From: Rural Florida Panhandle

Front end Vibration

Sounds like a universal joint. That is exactly the symptoms they exhibit when the get loose.

Winford

Jul 25, 2002 | 07:04 PM

topo4u2

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Front end Vibration

I agree, it sounds like a u-joint. Try putting the transmission in Neutral when it is at its worst and if it goes away I can almost guarantee a bad joint.,

Jul 25, 2002 | 07:13 PM

GammaDriver

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Joined: Dec 2001

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From: Southeast FLA

Front end Vibration

I'll third the motion, and ask you to check your rear U-joint - that's the one that went on mine (right after carrying a heavy load) and it had very nearly the same symptoms.

Jul 26, 2002 | 12:40 PM

frey69

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From: Philadelphia USA

Front end Vibration

Thanks For the advice. Since I am a novice in the field of 4x4 trucks,
Is the front drive shaft turning while the truck is in 2H? If so that will explain the vibration. If not,what else might be the problem, Maybe the Motor mount? Also How can I Check the u-joint without throwing it into Neutral whlie I am doing 60+?

Jul 26, 2002 | 12:52 PM

michaelskerrett

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Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 185

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From: Central Florida, USA

Front end Vibration

You can always get the truck up off the ground on jack stands, pull the drive shafts and inspect them (while you are there you might as well go ahead and replace them).

It won't hurt anything to put the truck in neutral while driving. Of course reasonable care should be taken. Do this on a clear stretch of road and take your foot off the gas when you shift so you don't over-rev the engine. What you are doing is taking the drive torque off of the shaft and it should return to the opposite side of the wear area if it is going bad.