driveline vibration

[sandmanwv]

I have had a driveline vibration between 45 and 55 mph for some time. I have replaced all of the u-joints but nothing changed. I have noticed that it seems to be getting worse, especially if I pull a small utility trailer.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[Pete M]

vibes around 50 mph can sometimes be tire issues. :dunno:

[Eagle]

Stock vehicle, or lifted? If lifted, how are your u-joint angles?

[CWLONGSHOT]

I agree with Pete, vibes that occur at or near 45mph are almost always tire related. Either balance or internal tire problems...

 

Why 45, you ask? Because that's the threshold where tires need to be balanced to run true.

 

CW

[Pete M]

almost always. had a vibe in the liberty that happened at similar speeds and it was a dried up rear U-joint. Curse those non-greasable joints! :fs1:

[Eagle]

Conversely, my 2000 XJ 5-speed has a horrible vibration (not shimmy ... vibration) above about 40 or 45 MPH that's caused by driveshaft angles. Mine has the Up Country suspension. The factory wanted to put a transfer case drop on it, which to me is a band-aid approach. Eventually, I'll get around to putting a short shaft conversion on the transfer case, but for now I just keep an easy foot on the loud peddle to avoid stressing the u-joints any more than necessary.

 

My ill-fated 1999 WJ was even worse. That was an Up Country model, too.

 

Since the OP didn't specify, I'm wondering if the axle might be a replacement, and possible the spring perches weren't placed at the correct angle. We need more information.

[sandmanwv]

Thanks for the help. I thought it may have something to do with the tires. I am having new ones put on wednesday.

[sandmanwv]

New tires did not entirely solve the problem, although I noticed that if I accelerate hard the vibration is very noticeable. If I let off of the gas and coast, the vibration is very noticeable. But if I accelerate very slowly the vibration is hardly noticeable.

Truck is completely stock, new u-joints throughout. Had new ring gear and pinion installed a year ago.

[Pete M]

Dana 35?

[HOrnbrod]

Had new ring gear and pinion installed a year ago.

 

I had the same driveline vibration at 35-45 MPH that drove me crazy for about four months. Pinion angle was perfect, new tires new u-joints, even a new driveshaft. The problem turned out to be in the differential after I regeared. I screwed up setting the pinion preload wrong by not using a new crush sleeve. :fs1:

 

I then had a shop that knew what they were doing re-install the gears and no more vibes.

[sandmanwv]

Yep....Dana 35

[sandmanwv]

All new parts, and work done by driveline mechanic with 50 years at Chevy dealership.

[Pete M]

I don't trust reworked Dana 35s. The housing just isn't very strong. :(

[mvusse]

You don't trust ANY 35, Pete, reworked or not.

[Pete M]

tru dat. It goes double for one that has prior failures.