Vibration while shifting - Ford Forums

08-20-2003, 12:02

My 1997 F-150 has consistently produced a vibration that feels as though it is coming from the driveshaft or transmission in and around shifting into I believe the third gear of the automatic transmission at speeds above 50 mph. It feels as though the truck is momentarily driving over "rumbles" on the highway like those used when approaching a stop sign, etc. The U-joints are tight. This does not seem to affect performance.

LunaticSVT · 08-20-2003, 15:28

Is this only showing up at speeds above 50? do you have it at any lower speeds?

Sounds like the DS is out of balance. That would be the first thing I would look at.

08-21-2003, 08:39

I typically have not ever noticed the vibration at any lower speeds. You may be correct about the driveshaft. Where should I take the driveshaft ie, auto parts stores, local garage, and what will they charge me to balance it.

'92BigBronco · 08-21-2003, 11:17

Just another thing to try if the driveshaft is to blame. They're normally balanced in a certain position, and if the driveshaft was removed it may not have been put back in the same place it was originally balanced in. To see if that's the case, remove the driveshaft and rotate it 180 degrees and reinstall it in the yoke. You're normally supposed to mark the driveshaft at the yoke to ensure it's installed in the same position it was in when removed. Mark it before you pull it to ensure you can get it in 180 degrees off from where it's currently installed

Be sure to check your U-joints when the d-shaft is out of the vehicle also. It's often hard to tell if they're bad when the driveshaft is still in the vehicle.

LunaticSVT · 08-21-2003, 15:34

Very true 92. Always forget to mention that.

bgisselman: You should look in your local Yellow pages. There are shops that do this specifically.