At wits end!!

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Jul 8, 2016 | 09:41 PM

vadonkey

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At wits end!!

I purchased a 96 F150 supercab 2wd a few months ago. When I test drove it, I took it up to about 50mph and all seemed well so I bought it.

I have been dealing with a vibration/shake at 60+ mph and can't seem to get a handle on it.

Here is what has been done/replaced
Tires replaced (balanced 2x)
new front shocks
all steering components replaced
wheel bearings repacked
ujoints/ carrier bearing checked 2x by mechanic
rear shocks are air and hold air fine

ball joints seem OK....no play noticed
radius arm bushings replaced before I bought it...blue polyurethane and seem tight

No unusual noises/clunks etc

I haven't checked pivot bushings...not sure what the symptoms of bad bushings are.

and ideas/help is greatly appreciated!

Jul 8, 2016 | 09:50 PM

jplinville

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Joined: Oct 2009

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From: Ohio

I had the same issue, and chased it to the rear drive shaft. Previous owner parked it on a boulder, very hard, and dented and bent it. It's currently at the shop, have some tube work done and new u-joints. I hope it fixes it for me.

Jul 9, 2016 | 08:58 AM

tjc transport

i ain't rite

Joined: Mar 2005

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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.

how did they check the universals? i have seen many many trucks with vibrations that had the universals "check good" and when i drop the drive shaft the universals fell apart because they were so dry the needle bearings were dust.

Jul 9, 2016 | 11:46 AM

Nero Morg

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From: TN

When I was in AZ I did the U joints in my driveline, 2 piece driveline with a carrier bearing. Some dip**** at the shop decide to give it a love tap with a hammer while I wasn't looking, and after that I had a pulsing vibration at any speed over 45. Had the driveline straightened and balanced fixed her right up. Sounds like a similar issue if you already went through the rest.

Jul 9, 2016 | 12:31 PM

Festus Hagen

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From: Maine (NorCal Native)

Brake rotors also have been known to cause a high speed shake ...

-Enjoy
fh : )_~

Jul 9, 2016 | 04:09 PM

vadonkey

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I don't think the shops pulled the driveshaft to check the universals, their answer was "Ujoints are O, you need tires balanced"

I have not looked for the weight on the driveshaft, I'll climb under there and look for the weight (or lack of).

Could the transmission mount be a possible culprit?

Also, how would you test for the pivot bushings being worn....is vibration a symptom

Thanks for the replies and suggestions...much appreciated

Jul 9, 2016 | 04:18 PM

Nero Morg

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From: TN

Quote:

Originally Posted by vadonkey

I doubt the weights fell off, as they are held in by a good sized spot weld, and then typically painted over to prevent rusting. It's hard to tell if I driveline is warped slightly or out of alignment. Something simple as 5/1000in out of being straight can cause vibration at high speeds. Brakes can cause vibrations, but usually don't vibrate until you apply the brakes.

As for the Trans mount, it could be. There's just the one crossmember mount holding it in place, the rest of the support is attached to the engine.

Someone else will have to chime in on the pivot bushings.