Shake and Studder when first moving from a stop (drive and reverse)

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Jun 9, 2006 | 08:42 PM

hogmeat

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Shake and Studder when first moving from a stop (drive and reverse)

Just picked up a 1993 Ranger 4x4 (have to replace the shift motor - thats how i found this site, which is great, BTW). Just looking for some opinions and help on this...

When your stopped, and start to accellerate (just a gentle acceleration - not even getting on it) the car will kind of shake and shudder and stumble to get going. It's a auto - but doesn't feel like a "slip" - revs don't jump or anything.
It just shakes until 5mph, then it's fine. 100% okay through all the gears, and downshifting, and etc.
When your in reverse the problem is twice as bad when your going forward!
It honestly feels like the engine is wanting to stall - but it's not really getting close enough.

Any ideas on what this could be?
I've heard U Joint, Torque Converter, Idle speed, etc...

Thanks In advance!

Jun 9, 2006 | 11:42 PM

sjwoody

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From: ut

My first thought when reading your post was U-joints, but if you think it's engine related...have you tried reading codes? I just bought a 94 4.0L a couple of weeks ago. I cleaned the throttle-body and MAF sensor just as a precaution. Sounds like it could be one of several things. Try a computer reset too (battery disconnected for 20 or 30 minutes)

As for the transfer case shift motor...if you don't want to spend $$'s for a new one, check out this site. (if you decide to rebuild it, read all the messages from the several authors, and use the best ideas from each)

https://www.ford-trucks.com/lc/lc.ph..._motor_fix.htm

Good luck.

Jun 10, 2006 | 01:30 AM

HogTied

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From: Centerton, AR

When I had a clutch put in my 93 Ranger 4.0 4x4 it started shaking like hell when you take off. Still does it real bad.

Jun 12, 2006 | 12:48 AM

RangerRuss

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From: Cypress, CA

With a new clutch "shuddering" sounds to me like the flywheel must not have been resurfaced. Typical.

Another thing to remember on the Rangers is the driveshaft splines. They will normally make a "clunk" when starting and stopping. Very easy fix.

Russ

Jun 12, 2006 | 02:46 AM

reddog99

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From: So. Cal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RangerRuss

Another thing to remember on the Rangers is the driveshaft splines. They will normally make a "clunk" when starting and stopping. Very easy fix.
Russ

I think you meant that the driveshaft will clunk when the splines need lubrication. Ranger driveshafts don't "normally" clunk if things are right.

Pat

Jun 14, 2006 | 11:32 AM

RangerRuss

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From: Cypress, CA

Sorry Pat - you are exactly correct. The clunk will occur when the splines are in need of lubrication. This is not an uncommon occurrence with Rangers.

Thanks for helping to keep things clear.

Russ

Jun 14, 2006 | 01:04 PM

NielsBech

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From: Copenhagen, Denmark

Hallo all,

To Russ: I have experienced that clunk in the driveshaft. Would you happen to have a link to a source describing how to lubricate the splines?

To Hogmeat: I am also familar with your problem, I think! My Ranger is a 4.0 4x4 '94 and everything is good when the engine is cold. When it reaches operating temperature there is this feel you describe, but only when I am starting gently. It probably is barely noticeable to someone not familiar with the car. Also, turning the car at the same time (as in a trafic light) seems to make it worse.
I am quite convinced it has something to do with the transmission or possibly the torque converter as it only started after I changed the fluid and filter. From what I read elsewhere it could be caused by that changing the fluid removes the particles whereby the bands in the transmission lose traction. But on the other hand when I am taking off really hard there is no problem and I guess the band(s) would slip even worse in that case. Does anybody else have experience with this?

Niels