Jerk or thump in rear

[Keith Nowlin]

I have a 98 Ford Ranger 4X4 ext cab, everytime I take off there are two thumps or jerks from the rear of my truck. It also does it when I slow down to a stop, however a lot less. It seems to be in the suspension system. It has been doing it for a long time. I have had several mechanics look at it and they all say there is excessive axle twist and said that my problem could be u-bolts or leaf spring bushings. The thumps or jerks are less noticable when I am hauling a load. I had the transmission check and serviced and there are no problems with it.

Keith

 

[98greenrangerguy]

Have you tried lubing the slip joint on your drive shaft. They have been known to bind up and cause a clunk. I think Ford sells a special grease just for this.

 

[gavin]

check the u-joints in the d-shaft.

how quickly are you accelerating?
how quickly do you stop?

if you're accelerating and braking relatively slowly, it shouldn't be enough to cause spring-wrap.

especially if you don't even have lift blocks.

 

[Keith Nowlin]

Thanks for the advice. I had to remove the drive shaft and take apart the slip yoke (only way I could figure out how to lube it). I lubed the splines and put it back together and the thump and jerk went away. I wish they put a grease fitting on it so it would be easy to lube.

Thanks

Keith

 

[yogi_pahl]

Some times when i slow down it happens to me to i think i will try this out. I found this but idk how long it will last but i think will be ok till i can grease it.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=106307