My 1986 XLT B2 has started a strange new noise. It resembles a loose rear shock absorber sound but is not. the noise occures at low speeds on bumpy surfaces. I checked the following: rear shocks, rear leaf springs, leaf spring u-bolts, sway bar mounts, rear drive shaft, and body bushings. The body bushings are shot but I don't belive them to be the source of the problem. I also checked the brakes and found no problems that should cause the noise. I also thought about the exaust, because the sound also resembles a loose tail pipe, but my cherry bomb and new tail pipe are still tight as ever. I have also ruled out the obvious, loose gear inside the truck, loose rear hatch and the spare tire swing arm is secure also. I may be overlooking a simple fix but am presently at a loss. Any ideas?

 

My problem was a mixture of things, my rear brakes were shot and causing a vibration from the passenger side wheel, and my drive shaft rear cv joint is junk as well. I replaced the entire rear brake system and am working on a used drive shaft. Does $45.00 sound fair? Just thought I'd post my findings in case some one else had a simular problem. These drive shafts don't act the same as the u-joint style, when going out so it had me baffeled at first.

 

$45 for what kind of driveshaft? Dont get a used Cv type you will be no better off ther what you are now.Try to get one like in the pic above.It has U-Joints and is a lote better .JMO

 

Yeah I know but I can't find one for under $200. If you know any cheaper alternatives please let me know. I personally hate this drive shaft design but am confined to the restraints of my low military pay.

 

I think that in 84-85 that ford put a double Cardin ds in the BII.If you can find one of them is better ther the cv ones.I do understant the No extra money.The cv drive will do you for a get by.but I would save up to get a good one /I got lucky on mine it came on the parts BII i bought.

 

I'll save up, but for now I'll have to use what I can find. That's lucky finding one on your parts truck. Does the double cardin style from the 84-85's fit on my 86 with auto tranny? Thanks for your help.

 

The 84 might not .the used a c-5 trans in them.Look for the ones out of a manual trans,I would measure it first .The 86 should be a direct bolt on. But what ever you get CHECK IT OUT THE BEST YOU CAN !!You dont need to buy a bad cv ds,The double cardin has u-joints in it so if there bad you can replaced them. GOOD LUCK!!!

 

Thanks again for your help, and rest assured that I will completly examine any replacement I purchase.

 

I bought a brand new one for my 86 from a parts store in Storm lake Iowa had it delivered the next day and it still only cost me $125.00. They listed two lengths and mine was the longer one. Same style as Grayranger shows in his picture. If you're close to a larger city try Kragen, Schucks, Checker, AutoZone. they give a 10% discount to military (20 years x NAVY). Buy the new one as it saves headaches in the long run.

 

Auto zone offers one for $189.00, and the manager gives us his discount on top of the military 10 percent off. But I still have to drive so I'll buy one at the yard until I can buy a new one. Thanks for your help Eric C.