1991 Engine Shudder Under Hard Accelleration 10/17

[Soundguy01tx]

Hey guys, I was wary to put this in the 911 section, but its gotten to the point that I have trouble driving on the freeway.
This is my 1991 Explorer XLT, 5 spd manual, 4.0 V6 with 144k miles.
I first noticed this a few weeks ago, while driving home from work. When in 5th gear, if I press the gas Hard, the engine shook. It only did it that once. Over the last week, I have noticed it happening more and more. Now even in 4th gear, if I try to "step on it" the engine shudders and shakes. This is a problem with entering freeways... I almost got run over today bc I had to do a very gradual accelleration just to get out of the way.
Could this be transmission related? I have no real idea what the problem is, and no clue what to begin looking at. Thanks in advance.
--Bryan
PS - the latest incident was while I was out car shopping... maybe this is my Explorers way to rebel against being replaced? Haha.

 

[joehawk]

I would start by checking the motor mounts

 

[Nate1]

Is it losing power? If so, pull the plugs, check them, the O2s, wires, coild packs, etc.

If not: Motor mounts would definatly be the first place to look.

 

[Soundguy01tx]

well i will definately check the mounts, but its not so much a loss of power, as it almost feels like its almost spinnin with goin anywhere... the RPMs jump really high, and the engine shakes like Ive never had happen before.

--bryan

 

[Ray Lobato]

I would take a look at your clutch, and see if maybe you have grease or oil on it. Sounds like something is slipping. Since you have a manual tranny, I would look at this first.

 

[Soundguy01tx]

Ill check both when I get back home in a few minutes. Thanks for the ideas guys.
--Bryan
PS - so yall dont think this is tranny?

 

[mavroxur]

Clutch! That'd be the first thing to check in your scenario.


- Chris