Tranny Shudder

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May 9, 2010 | 08:46 PM

Filmy

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From: Austin

Tranny Shudder

I searched...

I have a '93 F150 4X4 with E4OD transmission. I've already done a complete trans flush (hoses and bucket) but this didn't change anything. In fact, I believe the problem is slowly getting worse. Yes, I used Mercon V.

I get a shudder only from a dead stop through, maybe, 3-4 mph. After that (speed) no problems at all. In the past, I've known this shudder feeling to be a torque converter issue, but not sure what's wrong with the TC when it does this. I've also seen some of you praising these anti-shudder additives. Before looking into a rebuild or new TC, what do you guys recommend? Additive? Adjustment somewhere?

May 9, 2010 | 09:35 PM

drivwfo

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first check the u-joints to see if you have one worn. I have the same shudder on my f-250 (only when first pulling away from a dead stop) and the front u-joint is bad. Easy to check and eliminate it as a problem

May 10, 2010 | 02:47 PM

rla2005

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From: Kentucky

When my last '93 Lightning started exhibiting torque converter shudder it was in the 30-40 MPH range and only when the converter was starting to lock up. Your issue does sound more like a u-joint problem to me.

May 10, 2010 | 08:07 PM

Filmy

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From: Austin

Interesting. I wouldn't have suspected a U-joint, but I'll take a look. Thanks guys.

May 10, 2010 | 11:57 PM

rla2005

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From: Kentucky

I had a front u-joint on our '97 Mustang GT develop a "ripple" wear pattern on the cross piece. The car would vibrant so bad at 62 MPH you could not see anything in the rear view mirrors. Plus the noise was awful. U-joints are tricky little devils.

May 12, 2010 | 04:59 PM

drivwfo

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I just got my driveshaft back yesterday.. changed all three u-joints and the center support bearing (2pc driveshaft) and it was like a new truck. (well as new as a 170k F250 can be). No more shudder at any speed or when pulling out.

May 12, 2010 | 06:28 PM

rla2005

Fleet Owner

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 20,786

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From: Kentucky

Great to hear. Thanks for reporting back!

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Jul 17, 2010 | 01:39 PM

Filmy

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From: Austin

Follow Up...

Just to follow up on the repair, yes it was the center U-joint.

(I'm smilin' like it's my birthday!) Such good news. It was difficult to figure if/which any of the joints was the problem because none of them seemed to be obviously bad. As far as the center joint, it wasn't way out of whack but had the slightest play in it. I figured I didn't have much to lose by replacing it. I also figured that that joint, being in the center just aft of the support bearing, would precipitate the most symptoms, perhaps causing the center bearing to shudder as well.

So I removed the rear half of the D/S (marked it first) and drove out the center joint. Took the joint to VatoZone where we matched it up correctly with what they showed in stock ($17 lifetime). Squeezed the joint back together, re-installed the shaft in the truck, et voila! No mo' shuddah!

I want to give a huge shout out to all who responded to my query, giving advice and tips. The combined knowledge you guys have is greatly appreciated in this, and all of the things you generously share your time and knowledge with.

Thank you!