U joint or tranny problem?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 851
Likes: 14
U joint or tranny problem?
Bumper pulled a ~13k trailer for about 1100 miles last month.
While towing the trailer I noticed a very slight shimmy when taking off in first gear.
Seemed to have gone away after I finished my towing.
Yesterday I had to move a pretty heavy pallet (2500lbs), and put it in the bed. Truck was on overload springs so I aired up my bags to 80PSI. Rode fine.
I haven't aired down the bags yet but now even unloaded and not towing I am getting the very same ever so slight shimmy when taking off in first gear from a stop.
Think it might be a U joint problem or something related to the transmission? Is there an easy way for me to check the u-joints?
Could it be the driveline angles changed since the rear of the truck is angled up so high (because of the airbags)?
While towing the trailer I noticed a very slight shimmy when taking off in first gear.
Seemed to have gone away after I finished my towing.
Yesterday I had to move a pretty heavy pallet (2500lbs), and put it in the bed. Truck was on overload springs so I aired up my bags to 80PSI. Rode fine.
I haven't aired down the bags yet but now even unloaded and not towing I am getting the very same ever so slight shimmy when taking off in first gear from a stop.
Think it might be a U joint problem or something related to the transmission? Is there an easy way for me to check the u-joints?
Could it be the driveline angles changed since the rear of the truck is angled up so high (because of the airbags)?
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 18,849
Likes: 179
From: Puget Sound
Lift kits cause vibration in the driveline (carrier bearing) - you may be onto something here.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 17
Just wondering, did you follow up on the items suggested in the thread you started last month on this? https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ing-heavy.html
With a lift, my first inclination is axle-wrap on take-off since you seem to be getting it exclusively while towing a load. The leverage imparted on the rear axle from the lift (on the mobile app, can't see your sig) if it's from taller blocks would definitely cause this. Traction bars or RAS should help keep it in check, if that is indeed the source.
With a lift, my first inclination is axle-wrap on take-off since you seem to be getting it exclusively while towing a load. The leverage imparted on the rear axle from the lift (on the mobile app, can't see your sig) if it's from taller blocks would definitely cause this. Traction bars or RAS should help keep it in check, if that is indeed the source.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 851
Likes: 14
Just wondering, did you follow up on the items suggested in the thread you started last month on this? https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ing-heavy.html
With a lift, my first inclination is axle-wrap on take-off since you seem to be getting it exclusively while towing a load. The leverage imparted on the rear axle from the lift (on the mobile app, can't see your sig) if it's from taller blocks would definitely cause this. Traction bars or RAS should help keep it in check, if that is indeed the source.
With a lift, my first inclination is axle-wrap on take-off since you seem to be getting it exclusively while towing a load. The leverage imparted on the rear axle from the lift (on the mobile app, can't see your sig) if it's from taller blocks would definitely cause this. Traction bars or RAS should help keep it in check, if that is indeed the source.
The truck is stock height but does have airbags in the rear
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,112
Likes: 0
From: South Shore, MA
I've experienced this with two Super Duties. I was never able to pin point the exact cause, though it seamed to lessen in severity after a rear diff fluid change.
Food for thought I suppose.
Food for thought I suppose.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 389
Likes: 7
Ford released a TSP on the "take-off shutter". It's caused from increased driveshaft angle at the carrier bearing support and is only felt at take off. The TSP calls for installing ¼" shim plates (max of 3 shim plates) between the carrier bearing support and chassis. Hope this helps.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,766
Likes: 56
From: East Tawas, MI
If this helps,
I plow snow in Northern Michigan with my late 99. I have a 9 ft western unimount plow that ways around 700 or so (guessing). I place a 1500 lb block in the center of the bed on the rear axle for a counterweight and for ramming momentum.
I see a difference between plow on and plow off/rear pinion angle. I get the shudder.
In the spring, when I remove both, it smooths right out. It is also not noticeable with the plow hanging static and the weight not installed in the bed yet.
I'm thinking your driveline angle with weight is the culprit and the u joints may not be seeing the rotational wear to that extreme until it's loaded down. They don't move as far on they're own axis until you change the angle.
Just sayin. If you can pull and replace one or lube it in place, might help.
On a side note, I replaced my rears and was later educated that my rear yoke was worn to the degree that it kept reoccurring until my yoke was replaced. In effect, the U joint would wander within the yoke and cause the symptom. WHO'D a thunk.
Denny
I plow snow in Northern Michigan with my late 99. I have a 9 ft western unimount plow that ways around 700 or so (guessing). I place a 1500 lb block in the center of the bed on the rear axle for a counterweight and for ramming momentum.
I see a difference between plow on and plow off/rear pinion angle. I get the shudder.
In the spring, when I remove both, it smooths right out. It is also not noticeable with the plow hanging static and the weight not installed in the bed yet.
I'm thinking your driveline angle with weight is the culprit and the u joints may not be seeing the rotational wear to that extreme until it's loaded down. They don't move as far on they're own axis until you change the angle.
Just sayin. If you can pull and replace one or lube it in place, might help.
On a side note, I replaced my rears and was later educated that my rear yoke was worn to the degree that it kept reoccurring until my yoke was replaced. In effect, the U joint would wander within the yoke and cause the symptom. WHO'D a thunk.
Denny
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Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,613
Likes: 9
From: Flagstaff, Arizona
My vote would definitely be a carrier bearing, that needs a slight shim. You can usually just crawl under the truck, and grab your driveline and see if it moves at all, if any play near the carrier bearing......that's a cheap fix.
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