Shudder/Shake

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Nov 16, 2016 | 05:52 PM

2FordTrucks

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From: Georgia

Shudder/Shake

Hello everyone, seems like I only come here when I have problems. My 2000 Ex has held up well after the fuel pump swap. Those tanks are huge and heavy but it was not difficult just awkward.

The issue i'm up against now is a shake. It comes in at about 40mph then goes away and then is random from 60-70 mph. I've had the tires/wheels checked and all good. I've checked the front end and all things are pretty tight up front. I did go thru a while ago and check it all and replaced the sway bar bushings and end links cause they were crusty. But tonight I was under it checking u joints. They are tight, no play but I noticed play on the part that goes into the back of the transmission. I can move it up/down and left to right. I don't know if that is normal but I did hear a clink when I moved it. It's not flopping loose but I can imagine when rotating it could cause a issue. Thanks for reading. I'm about to take it down to Daytona Beach and haul my old car down and I'd like to get this resolved.

Nov 16, 2016 | 08:33 PM

Immortal_Ben

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 1,993

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From: Colorado

You should not be able to move it more than just the TINIEST fraction of a fraction of an inch. Sounds like a new joint is in order.

Nov 18, 2016 | 07:56 PM

2FordTrucks

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From: Georgia

Trans shop said everything looked fine. Did mention that ball joints on the passenger side were in bad shape. Thankful I have a 2wd for this task.

Nov 19, 2016 | 02:22 AM

The2003Excursion

Tuned

Joined: Dec 2013

Posts: 458

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From: The Northwoods, Wisconsin

I would still vote U-joint.

Can you look and see if any lube is coming out of a cap? A screwdriver trying to twist is better than by hand.

Nov 19, 2016 | 08:26 PM

2FordTrucks

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From: Georgia

No lube or anything like that. I'll be changing out the ball joints tomorrow. I'll get under there with a screwdriver and see if I can move it but they had it on a rack and said everything checked out.

Nov 19, 2016 | 08:37 PM

SmackDaddy

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Joined: Sep 2016

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From: Texas

I had the same issue and checked everything you did and it ended up being the rear u joint on the rear drive shaft. You may as well replace them all while you are at it! No more shaking and no more driving myself crazy trying to troubleshoot!

Nov 20, 2016 | 06:31 PM

2FordTrucks

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From: Georgia

Mine is a 2wd and I still cannot find any play in that joint. I spent the majority of the day changing out ball joints. What a pain getting those pressed in. The passenger side went smooth. The drivers side wanted to go in crooked. I found a method and got the thing in. 8 hours to do both sides. Man, is the steering and ride so much better. The uppers had little play but both lowers were beyond shot. Maybe I should replace the trans mount and pull the drive shaft and run it down to big moe's and have him check everything out.