Good evening gentlemen.

I have, for quite a while (in fact, best I recall, since I purchased this vehicle w/17,000 miles) had a very subtle "clunk", (bump might be a better word), seemingly from the rear-end. It was/is so subtle, and/or I had become so used to it, that I had pretty much dismissed it ... until it was recently pointed out by a mechanic who simply drove into and out of his shop after one of his tire techs had cross-threaded a couple of my lug-studs.

It is felt upon coming to a stop, like a slight tap or bump in the rear area, almost like someone has bumped or tapped me in traffic, though what seems to be happening is that the rear doesn't stop turning/spinning until after the vehicle is stopped.

Same goes w/leaving a light or stop sign, if I pull away slow enough (as I usually do, just like I try to come to stops), it seems to take the rear-end a bit longer than the rest of the vehicle to get the message that we're going somewhere, at least, that's what me and the engine think! The mechanics words were, feels like the rear is "binding" or there is a "trans. problem".

I know this was long-winded, and I probably didn't explain it well, but I am a bit worried now at 109,500 miles ... and NO $$$$ for major repairs right now.

`99 Ranger 4x4 4spd auto & 4:10 rear - I appreciate any/all replies.

Thanks in advance! - glenn

 

Try to grease the universal joint.My areostar did that and everyone thought it was the rear until some oldtimer did it.It was funny because the younger guys laughed at him and i never had another problem he acually did it for free because he was pi$$ed.

 

Cool beans my man - sounds good to me, I'll give `er a try - THANKS!

 

I have the same problem. I've never lubed a U-Joint before...how's it done? Where to apply the grease? What type of grease? How much?

Any guidance would be appreciated.

Jeff

 

Hey tough,

My money's on the driveshaft slipjoint. Rangers are VERY prone to this problem. The factory does not use enough grease in the slipjoint to lube the splines. When the pinion angle on the rear axle changes (under torque/rear suspension height changes) so does the effective length of the driveshaft; compensated by the slipjoint. Odds are that this is your problem...I'd bet money on it.
Your local Ford dealer has a kit JUST for this problem.
Cody

 

Hey thanks Cody...I'll give it a shot...Beerguy, did ya copy that?

 

Just had a whole new 2 pc driveshaft built for my '72 4 wheel. No more bumps, clicks and vibrations. It doesnt take much play in any part of this assembly to give you probs. Just a few weeks ago, one of the spring keepers on the u-joint flew off my yoke, and the rear end of the shaft hit the road. Luckily I was just leaving a stoplight (with my foot in it of course). That convinced me to get 'er done. also seal on slide hub was gone so was hard to keep grease in it. Truck is much smoother going down the road now.