Drive Train Slack
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 102
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From: Arkansas
Drive Train Slack
My 96 feels like it has excessive drive train slack when I step on the gas. The driveshaft appears to be fine. There is always a noticeable soft, drive train jerk when taking off like two gears that are too far apart. The vehicle only has 30k miles and I've never noticed this on my 88. Am I talking major $$$$$$ here?
New User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 22
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Drive Train Slack
I know exactly what the problem is. I have a 96 xlt that i bought a year ago that had the same drivetrain slap. I completely went through the whole driveshaft and suspension trying to figure out the problem. What it is:For some reason on the newer Broncos the spline shaft seems to develop this slop which causes the slap or clunk when you first hit the gas and maybe when you come to a complete stop.There is no provision on my truck to grease it. I took the rear part of the driveshaft apart and actually greased the spline by hand and slid it back together. Not a big deal. This completly eliminated the problem. I am going to drill and tap a spot for a grease fitting which should have come with it. This spline has a teflon type coating which maybe Ford thought would have adequate wear resistance. All the newer Broncos i have heard people haveing this problem. It seems the older ones do not have or develop this problem.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 127
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From: Tallahassee United State of America
Drive Train Slack
Bri,
Thank you, THANK you, thank YOU, tank ewe!! I will be under my Bronco very soon.
Once again, thanks from north Florida/western North Carolina.
Richard
Thank you, THANK you, thank YOU, tank ewe!! I will be under my Bronco very soon.
Once again, thanks from north Florida/western North Carolina.
Richard
Senior User
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 258
Likes: 1
From: Kingsport USA
Drive Train Slack
Hey guys thanks for this bit of info. I just traded my 95 F150 4x4 for a 95 Bronco EB fully loaded. I LOVE IT!!!! Anyways I have been noticing this thud like you all are talking about. I am glad I ran across this message board. I will run home after work and grease her up. May even work on the grease insert as well. THANKS A BUNCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Arkansas
Drive Train Slack
I read Brian's solution to my problem last Sunday, proceeded to unbolt one end of the drive shaft, slide the end out to expose the splines, pack some grease in the hole, and slide it back in.
The whole time I was thinking this is too easy to be true but so far it appears to have fixed the slack problem. Everytime I take off from a stop I want to shake my head in disbelief because there is not any of the bump or jerk I always felt before adding the grease. AMAZING! Thanks Brian. Did it work for you other guys who responded?
The whole time I was thinking this is too easy to be true but so far it appears to have fixed the slack problem. Everytime I take off from a stop I want to shake my head in disbelief because there is not any of the bump or jerk I always felt before adding the grease. AMAZING! Thanks Brian. Did it work for you other guys who responded?
Senior User
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 258
Likes: 1
From: Kingsport USA
Drive Train Slack
MXER201
Haven't had the time to try the fix. Once I do I will be sure to let you all know. I just love this web site...Hats off to the creator(s).
Haven't had the time to try the fix. Once I do I will be sure to let you all know. I just love this web site...Hats off to the creator(s).
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 127
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From: Tallahassee United State of America
Drive Train Slack
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 29-Aug-01 AT 04:07 PM (EST)[/font][p][font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 29-Aug-01 AT 04:06 PM (EST)[/font]
I've had the rear driveshaft dropped and the spline(s) greased. I cannot believe how much difference this made to the "driveability" of my '96 EB Bronco!! My mechanic looked at the possibility of drilling for grease fittings but feels that the best method is going to be greasing the spline(s) periodically.
This is one of those "tips" that should be put out there for everyone to see. [Oo]
I've had the rear driveshaft dropped and the spline(s) greased. I cannot believe how much difference this made to the "driveability" of my '96 EB Bronco!! My mechanic looked at the possibility of drilling for grease fittings but feels that the best method is going to be greasing the spline(s) periodically.
This is one of those "tips" that should be put out there for everyone to see. [Oo]
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,809
Likes: 3
From: Loveland, CO.
Drive Train Slack
Are you guys talking about the spline on the front of the driveshaft where it goes into the gearbox? I don't have a thud on my 90 but it sounds like I should grease this anyway.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 127
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From: Tallahassee United State of America
Drive Train Slack
Same here... in fact, I've read somewhere where someone did mess around with the front driveshaft (in their driveway!) and ended up having to tow it to a driveshaft store for professional help.
Still can't get over what a difference this little operation made for me.
Still can't get over what a difference this little operation made for me.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,882
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From: Nevada
Drive Train Slack
My '82 came with a zerk fitting for grease to the rear driveshaft spline. When you do install a grease fitting, use moderation when greasing it. It doesn't take that much and any excess will be slung out as you drive. Some will hit the exhaust, so don't panic when you smell burning grease. Maybe that's the reason Ford went to a teflon coating.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,809
Likes: 3
From: Loveland, CO.
Drive Train Slack
This is my first Bronco and I'll admit to not having crawled under it yet. Evidently, it has a two piece driveshaft, then. I would go look now but it is dark out. So the part I have to grease is the spline on the front of the rear driveshaft, where it goes into the front driveshaft? Somebody please explain specifically which part needs the grease, as I will probably go out and do it this weekend, and grease my u-joints while I'm down there too. Thanks
New User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 8
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Drive Train Slack
Might check the u-joints in the cv-joint right behind the t-case too. They will make a fair clunk if worn. Don't put too much grease in the slip yoke splines, if it is packed down at the bottom of the yoke, it won't let the slip joint compress all the way and that raises heck with the t-case housing.
1991 Ford Bronco, 351W, E4OD
1991 Ford Bronco, 351W, E4OD