Rear of Explorer Shakes

[spideypunk]

First post, many problems.

97 XLT with 115,000 miles. Ive gotten the p174 code, and my drivers seatbelt receiver gave out last week which brought me to join this great forum. Ive been doing alot of reading and love the offroad pics of everyone's Explorers. The one thing I havent found answers to is the rear of my explorer shakes while Im in first gear. Seems to only happen when I accelerate from a stop. It sounds as though the interior body panels of the trunk area are vibrating. Havent had the chance to get someone to sit back there and nail down the source while I drive around. Has anyone else had a problem like this? The car was hit in the rear quarter panel, but that was 10 years ago. Is something lose back there? Could it be the diff? Im not even sure where to start. If I can tear someone away from the food and tv this weekend, Ill gather some more info on the truck.

 

[spideypunk]

anyone?

 

[IZwack]

Get under the rear of the vehicle and pull/push on everything including the exhaust (obviously let it cool first). In addition, an alignment might reveal a bent wheel or axle shaft (from the accident).

 

[99ex22]

does it shake when you come to a stop? the reason I ask is because I had a 1998 mazda b4000 (same motor and drive train) and mine would shake from take off and when I stopped. I am 90% sure it's the rear axle. I traded mine in for that reason. but also back when I had it I didnt know much about these trucks.

 

[zonianbrat]

I'm thinking possibly the U-joint? I would think a bent wheel would give vibration/shaking at higher speeds too. Seems like a bad rear end would do it at higher speeds also. I am no mechanic though just speaking from my little bit of personal experience.

 

[spideypunk]

Got under there and smacked everything around with a mallet. Everything appears solid. (except one of the shackles is bent) Took it for a spin with a buddy and it sounds more and more like loose interior panels. Im not sure if its fixable, only happens at that perfect frequency that makes everything shake.
On a side note, Ive replaced the seatbelt, and fixed the windshield washer fluid motor ( all it need was to be hit). This weekend we're going to attempt to fix the power door locks. Drivers side wont lock, passenger side wont unlock. Hopefully the contacts just need to be cleaned?