vibrates in reverse

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Aug 13, 2003 | 07:52 PM

Frozen1

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From: Fairbanks, AK

vibrates in reverse

Hi folks,

Lately I've noticed a vibration noise from the rear end if I back up too quickly or climb a hill in reverse. I've always had a clank whenever I shift into reverse but it's not too bad. Could this be part of the problem?

I've never done any rear end work and I'm not sure how to diagnose the problem. I'd appreciate any help.

Thanks,

Jon

Aug 14, 2003 | 04:09 AM

Torque1st

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vibrates in reverse

I assume this is the truck in your sig... If so I suspect your tranny is about to go south.

Aug 14, 2003 | 10:09 AM

Highboy70

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From: Fairbanks USA

vibrates in reverse

Could also be the tranny mount or the carrier bearing and mount(if you have a 2wd), maybe even a broken motor mount. I'd check all those first. Also retorque your rear spring mounting bolts.
Cheaper and easier than a tranny.

Aug 14, 2003 | 01:31 PM

dfisher1

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From: Gainesville, FL

vibrates in reverse

All,
This is a combination of problems:
A shaky rear end while backing under power is a underdamped suspension problem. (i.e. replace your shocks and add a leafspring).
The clunk is the driveshaft slamming into or out of the tranny. A soft rear end allows the diff nose to rotate up or down depending on a (reverse to drive) or (drive to reverse) shift.
It is common on 1/2 tons as the springs have weakened/fatigued over the last 30 years.
I'll bet if you loaded the camper special up until the second stage springs engaged you could minimize the clunk.
Consider it,
KingFisher

Aug 14, 2003 | 05:44 PM

Frozen1

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From: Fairbanks, AK

vibrates in reverse

Well, I think I'll try Highboy70's suggestion and check my rear spring mounting bolts and tranny mount first. I don't think that's the problem, but it sure beats Torque1st's diagnosis. I can't afford another tranny right now.

I also doubt that an underdamped suspension is part of my problem as dfisher suggests. In fact, I would say that my rear suspension is a little too rigid. Also, my truck doesn't shake or hop when I'm backing up under power, it just makes a vibration buzz.

If my tranny is about to die as Tourque1st suggests, what are your recommendations? Are automatic transmission problems something that the average backyard mechanic can tackle by himself? This is my daily driver and it will start to get cold here in Alaska near the end of Sept. If I'm gonna fix my tranny, I'd better start soon. Suggestions?

Jon

Aug 18, 2003 | 06:26 PM

Highboy70

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From: Fairbanks USA

vibrates in reverse

Jon,
Sounds like were in the same neck of the woods. I live in North Pole. Just moved from Fairbanks.
If you do end up needing a tranny, you might have better luck finding a parts truck for sale around town.
I bought a 72 F150 4x4 with a blown motor this spring for $150, it had a standard tranny, but I got plenty of parts off it.
I do have lots of other parts too, so let me know if your looking for anything in particular. ralph.moore@eielson.af.mil

Ralph

Aug 18, 2003 | 06:56 PM

Frozen1

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From: Fairbanks, AK

vibrates in reverse

Thanks Ralph!

Next time I need a part, I'll email you before going to the store!

BTW, I checked my rear spring mounting bolts and tranny mount and everything was tight. I guess I'll just keep a close eye on my tranny and see what happens.

I'd love to buy a parts truck, I just don't have anywhere to put it. I live in a little 5-plex apartment complex. My landlord won't even let me change my oil in his parking lot, much less park a parts truck. Doh!

Jon