Ford Ranger Vibration

[Red Horse]

Shot in the dark. I have an 04 Ranger 4 x 4 Super Cab FX-4 Level II package. Truck has 58,000 easy miles on it. At 65 MPH it would start to vibrate to the point you thought the bed would come off. Tire wear has always been good-no uneven wear. Original BFG 31 x 10-50-15's. I had them balanced and when that didn't work was told.."probably have some loose cords".

So I just put new set of Firestone Destinations on it and I'll say at low speed its great- get it up to 65, and same old story-not as bad but still not right.

any suggestions? Again, the BFG's had plenty of tread left-and even wear so I say its not an alignment issue.

I was under it and while I don't have evidence of a big leak, the output shaft at transfer case does have a "drip" on it. Could that be part of problem? (bearing?)

 

[Diamondpilot]

Check the drive shaft. They weld on weights from the factory to balance and if it throws one it will do this. If it has a carrier bearing check it along with the U-joints also.

That small drip is usually a sign of a drive line vibration like I described above.

Chris

 

[dusty3030]

I'd check bearings first.
Check front first, most likely suspect. Jack up one side, spin the wheel with the tire on and listen for grinding or if it "feels" rough. Grab the tire on one edge with both hands and push/ then pull. It should have NO play or wobble.
Changing out hub bearings is easy. With close to 60,000 and you are up North I would say that you are very much in the zone for bearings to go out.
If wheel seems firmly attached check all your suspension components. All the ball joints, etc.

 

[Peacock]

Sure sounds like u-joints....

 

[crashz]

I would expect the rear U joint as well. Sometimes they don't do the typical squeak, just wear a one cap, then get a clunk or vibration.

I had the E brake shoes delaminate in my 01 F150 that would make the truck jump and hop at freeway speeds as well. But that would only happen after a few miles on the hwy, once the brakes got hot.

 

[clemsonfor]

I would second drive shaft vibration or bad u joints. They will get worse as speed increases just as a tire will as it spins faster the faster you go.

If its that bad its liable to let go any time now!!!

 

[Red Horse]

Guys- thx for your responses. I have been under it and u joints look good and tight-but it does "bang" when you put it in gear-I'm thinking this is a trans issue. I will get it on ramps tomorrow and check joints again and also see if I can detect any of the weights are obviously missing. Never had a drive shaft balanced before.
Bob

 

[Dmace]

Assuming this is an automatic, get up to speed where it vibrates then shift into neutral. Does it go away?
If so, it may be torque converter related especially since you say it "bangs" into gear.
If it didn't go away, start with the U joints since they're cheap and easy.

 

[zzvyb6]

When they balance your tires, they are on a machine, not on the rear axle/brake drums. Drums are supposed to be balanced, too, but it could also be a piece broken out of a drum. While you are under there, check to make sure the U-joint crosses are aligned with each other on the driveshaft. If one is 90 degrees off, it will cause a severe vibration and eventually damage.

 

[94BULLITT]

Does it do it neutral? Rev the engine to the RPM it is turning at 65MPH. If not take the drive shaft out and check the u-joints. Don't forget to block the wheels when you take it out. You will need a 12mm 12 point wrench or socket.