Drivetrain "settles" when stopping/starting

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Aug 17, 2005 | 10:01 AM

Ryan Waller

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Drivetrain "settles" when stopping/starting

I've read several threads regarding vibration in the drivetrain but nothing seems to identify with my problem. I'm hoping I can find some help b/c its driving me crazy. When I come to a complete stop, the truck seems to settle generating a knocking as if two parts are slipping. When I start off, the truck will settle again or feel as if it drops or slips again. I can ease off the line shifting into second, but once any trottle is applied, the back end settles, knocks, slips or whatever it does (kinda hard to describe). Let me try this...if two parts are bolted together but not tightened...when momentum starts forward, one piece will slip back...visa versa when stopping....it will slip forward. Has any one else experienced this?

I have a 2002 F250 4x4 100% stock w/150,000 miles.

Aug 17, 2005 | 12:14 PM

Mark250

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From: Carthage, Mo

Ryan,

I think you are describing the same situation I have. The driveline has "takeup" in it when you start out from a complete stop. There is no noise involved, just a silent bump.

I was reading tech bulletins (think it was at dieselstop.com) & found something that might be the culprit. The fix is to remove the driveshaft & apply synthetic grease to the splines where the yoke slides. Theory is that the splines do not slide easily enough. I plan to do this soon but haven't had a chance. One complication is the crimp style clamp that holds the boot in place. Want to make sure I can put it back like it belongs before removing it. Will update whether this fixes it or not.

Mark

Aug 17, 2005 | 12:43 PM

Finally

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From: NEBRASKA

This seems to be a hot topic. There are a couple threads just within the last week about this and how to correctly reinstall. There is a right and wrong way of doing it, believe me.

Aug 17, 2005 | 01:14 PM

trakman

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From: Kansas

You better believe that there is a right way an a wrong to re-install. Read my post about "clunk free" driving and get the blow by blow series of events. As far as that boot clamp, I just used a nylon ty strap but I understand that the clamp can be bought at an auto suppy store but you need a special tool to make it look like it was done at the factory. If everything is done right, you will experience "clunk free" driving! Works for me now.

Aug 17, 2005 | 02:28 PM

Ryan Waller

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sounds like we've identified the problem at least....I've got a diesel mechanic working for me that I'll have attempt this repair. I'll update you on the outcome.

Aug 17, 2005 | 08:11 PM

Mark250

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From: Carthage, Mo

Well I just greased my driveshaft splines & the driveline clunk is GONE!!! It didn't seem to slide too bad in the first place but it sure did make a difference.

Aug 18, 2005 | 02:46 AM

SprintRacer26

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From: Wichita, KS

I was experiencing the same thing in my SD and I read you should use the XG-8 grease from ford. Well, I wanted to see if this was the cause of my problems so I used regular bearing grease. Took the truck for a test drive and I was pleased to find out no more clunking. Well, It's been about 1500 miles and the clunking is starting to come back. I'm going to ford friday to buy the XG-8 grease and do it right.....hopefully it will last longer than 1500 miles. Thankfully it's only about a 30 minute job.

For those who are experiencing this for the first time, do it right, buy the correct grease from ford ($7.00) and hopefully it'll last another 100,000 miles.