Notices
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco  
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Drivetrain shudder.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 7, 2004 | 07:30 AM
  #1  
VinMan's Avatar
VinMan
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Question Drivetrain shudder.

New problem here. I get a shudder from my drivetrain, seems like it might be coming from the diff.. it happens when i'm cruising along, usually around 50-60, when I accelerate I get a heavy shudder and vibration. Feels like I'm driving over train tracks. It also happens at lower speeds but mostly under accelerationas soon as i back off the gas it goes away.
93 E.B. 5.0 The truck has 180,000 on it , the U-joints are all good, it happens in and out of o/d. Driving me nuts. Any ideas?
 
Reply
Old May 7, 2004 | 07:59 AM
  #2  
Swit's Avatar
Swit
Cross-Country
20 Year Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: WA State
Could be tranny, could also be a miss. Your description fits symptoms my 94 5.8 had quite well. Tranny shop rebuilder suggested I look to a major tune first, especially if it had been a 'while'. I did. Rotor cap was about fried, a couple of bad plug wires and even a cracked (don't have a clue how) spark plug were present. Spent a little on the tune .. but a LOT less than a tranny rebuild. Coil, cap, rotor, plug wires, plugs and injector cleaning (additive) were done.. the tune got all firing and the injector cleaning increased the duration of fire. Difference was, as you might guess, 'noteworthy'.

If that hadn't been it, either nothing found or didn't cure the problem, the next likely candidate was the torque converter clutch slipping. Rebuilding the tranny was guesstimated in the $1800.oo range +/- including updates for the E4OD. Something I'm happy to put off for a bit!!

G'luck, hope this helps.

Swit
'94 XLT 5.8
 
Reply
Old May 7, 2004 | 08:46 AM
  #3  
krettin's Avatar
krettin
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
My 97 was doing about the same thing. always when cruising steady then apply small amount of gas say enough to raise you 4 or 5 mph. Iff I put some foot to it like to pass with attitude it never happened.
I had guys for 3 year tell me to take it to the tranny shop. Never did Because it was real close to same $ as replacing or rebuilding.
About 1500 miles ago I changed the fluid and filter(which had been done to try as fix originaly by dealer) Thanks to this wonderfull site I thought to retorque the valve bodt while I was in there. There are probably 20 bolts and I got maybe 3 or 4 to move a little. Dealer said 80 to 98 inch lbs. Only 1 moved at 80 , 2 moved at 90 , and the last at 98# The guys think I'm nutz but in the last 1500 miles I haven't been able to make it shudder.

If your due for service it is worth a try.

good luck
 
Reply
Old May 7, 2004 | 08:48 AM
  #4  
kaised's Avatar
kaised
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
Here are some other options....

Slip joint on the rear shaft - drop the shaft, seperate the slip joint, lube and reassemble.
While you've got the shaft off, check for looseness in the pinion nut on the rear diff. Also, make sure all your bolts holding the shaft on both ends are tight.
 
Reply
Old May 7, 2004 | 08:49 AM
  #5  
krettin's Avatar
krettin
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
the bolts barely moved by the way
 

Last edited by krettin; May 7, 2004 at 08:52 AM. Reason: my bad
Reply
Old May 11, 2004 | 08:03 PM
  #6  
VinMan's Avatar
VinMan
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Well, I found out whats causing my drivetrain vibrations. Turned out to be the torque converter. Tranny shop says its not locking up at high speeds.
Recommends overhauling the trans while its out too.
$1,900.
 
Reply
Old May 12, 2004 | 07:51 AM
  #7  
swenson's Avatar
swenson
Senior User
25 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
Don't let them charge you that much. I have a 95 with a 302 and E4OD and had a complete rebuild last Aug. for $1640. I'd call around to different shopes unless you're already stuck at this one, but at least try and knock them down in price.
 
Reply
Old May 12, 2004 | 09:29 AM
  #8  
VinMan's Avatar
VinMan
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: NJ
They said they could probably do it for under $1700. Was contemplating doing it my self but dont really have the time.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:11 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE