'03 Explorer Vibration - not AWD

[aaron_johnson]

I've got an '03 explorer with the automatic 4wd not a awd.

Problem is this.

From a start, when wheels not turned no issue at all.

From a start when wheel turned either left or right a bad vibration shakes the vehicle for about 4 or 5 seconds until you get above about 10-15mph.

Started off not really noticable, now it's worse and when I hooked the trailer up the other day it was much much more noticable.

Any suggestions. I've got the thing up on jack stands now, can't see any cv joint/U-joint issues.

Rear diff fluid changed about a month ago, transmission fluid changed about 10k miles ago (I think they did the transfer case too) and front diff will be done this weekend along with the transfer case (since I'm not sure).

Any suggestions as to what this vibration is from????

Aaron Johnson
'03 Explorer NBX - completely stock
'09 Pontiac G8 GT
'72 Triumph Spitfire SCCA H-Prod Car
'72 Triumph TR6

 

[jlrapp8]

well i just removed my front drive shaft and vibration went away. so im thinking it was my transfer case. if you have limited slip rear diff than it could also be the clutch pak in the rear end. gives off symtoms as the transfer case. dont know though. if you have limited slip rear end did you use the ford friction modifyer additive? i think the automatic 4wd is almost the same as AWD. when it comes to how it engages the transfer case. you can try and take off front drive shaft and if it goes away its probably your transfer case

 

[Johnny Glenn]

Rear differential is the likely cause if vibration is only when accelerating into turn. $800 repair @ Ford Dealer or pick-up salvage part for $250 and DIY.

 

[aaron_johnson]

Rear differential is the likely cause if vibration is only when accelerating into turn. $800 repair @ Ford Dealer or pick-up salvage part for $250 and DIY.

Drove the explorer on a 300 mile trek today. noticed that it definitely gets worse after a long drive. ie: after all the fluid changes, not noticible for little while. after driving 300 miles, way noticible.

aaron