Notices

Vibration when C4 downshifts

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 7, 2009 | 10:04 PM
  #1  
frank83fire's Avatar
frank83fire
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Northwest New Jersey
Vibration when C4 downshifts

I have a 1986 F250, 2wd, with a 351 Windsor and a C4 transsmission. Once the vehicle is warmed up, and I'm driving down the road, if I suddenly slow the truck, I get an awful knocking vibrating sound coming from the engine copartment that stops instantly if I hit the gas again. I thought it was the brakes at first, but it isn't; the brakes are fine and the noise occurs whether I hit the brakes or not. The only time it does it is when the transmission is downshifting and it stops as soon as I hit the gas again. What could it be?
 
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2009 | 12:27 PM
  #2  
Kemicalburns's Avatar
Kemicalburns
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 12
From: Bend,OR
fyi that truck would have a C6, the C4 wasnt offered in a fullsize truck.

I would suspect bad ujoints or possibly mounts. check the motor and tranny mounts for wear.
 
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2009 | 12:49 PM
  #3  
frank83fire's Avatar
frank83fire
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Northwest New Jersey
Thanks for the speedy reply... but I'm an idiot.

While driving around with the window down today, I finally realized that the noise, which, from inside the cab, sounds like its coming from just in front of and below me, was NOT coming from the front of the vehicle at all.

The damper on the rear axle is way loose, and when I wiggle it, makes the exact noise I keep hearing.

And I have no idea where I got C4 from, I've honestly never ran the tag's ID.
 
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2009 | 05:07 PM
  #4  
Kemicalburns's Avatar
Kemicalburns
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 12
From: Bend,OR
what damper on the rear axle? do you mean the sway bar? or rear driveshaft ujoint?
 
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2009 | 07:10 PM
  #5  
frank83fire's Avatar
frank83fire
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Northwest New Jersey
Doesn't really look like a sway bar; my Chilton's and Hayne's call it the "rear axle damper," and thats about all the info either one has on it. It sticks up off the passenger side of the diff, has all kind of linkage, and apparently reduces vibrations coming from the axle. Whatever it is, it has about 3/4" of play at two of the joints.
 
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2009 | 03:39 PM
  #6  
Kemicalburns's Avatar
Kemicalburns
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 12
From: Bend,OR
can you post a picture of it?
 
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2009 | 05:25 AM
  #7  
frank83fire's Avatar
frank83fire
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Northwest New Jersey
I'll post a pic as soon as I get back to the garage; I'm stuck on a 24 hour shift at the moment. At this point, I don't even know if its a damper; whatever it is it's tied into the brake system and connects to the differential through two arms.

I think I've discovered the true problem, though... When I jacked the rear end up to investigate the "damper," I noticed the differential on the 10.25 leaking. Pulling the cover, I was greeted with the horrible sight of a chewed-up differential pinion shaft. Turns out it had sheared off the lock bolt, and was sliding out about a 1/2 inch when not under load, but still moving. That 1/2 inch was enough to bang against the pinion gear.

So, it looks like I'm off to the junkyard tomorrow to find a differential in good shape.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
allen720
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
28
Apr 19, 2012 06:48 AM
muddyriverdogz
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
7
Jan 11, 2011 03:43 PM
King1of3
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Jan 16, 2003 01:24 AM
stubborn1
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
6
Aug 6, 2002 08:40 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:24 AM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
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