Vibration introduce after Superlift

[Joe Dietz]

'93 4dr with 5.5" Superlift
There is a vibration that was introduced to the vehicle when I had the 5.5" Superlift installed. The vibration/noise comes from the front drivers side axle/drivetrain.

The vibration/noise is only present when I let my foot off the gas. At 65 with open hubs the vibration/noise is slight. At speeds 35 and above and hubs locked the vibration/noise is significant.

I don't think its the hubs. I have warn manual hubs on the vehicle now. I used to have auto hubs. The vibration is unchanged.

I just had lockers installed on the front end. This also had no affect on the vibration/noise. I've also had several sets of tires. The vibration/noise was unchanged.

I asked my local shop to take a look at the issue. They can't find anything wrong. There comment was some vehicles will do this...

Does anyone have some idea's on what might be causing the vibration/noise?

 

[kvo]

Do you think it has anything to do with the change in angle of the drive shaft (U-joints), may be it is too sharp now and does not spin freely? It sounds as if you only get the noise when you're in 4 wheel drive mode.

 

[Trace]

Hey Joe!
First check all the bolts on your lift. All those rocks we were on may have loosened some. Then check your u-joints, I only mention this because you stated the vibration was worse with the hubs locked. Someone probably argue this, but it is possible for the front axel to turn even with the hubs unlocked. There is some torque transfered from the hub to the axel, because of the viscosity of the lubricants. Which explains why the vibration is only slight at higher speeds. Finally check for play at the ball joints.

 

[kellywms]

had a similar problem and it was u-joints on rear drive shaft, I only noticed it at certain speeds and when it was decellerating.

 

[Joe Dietz]

I have replace the upper and lower ball joints and that did not fix the problem. I have not replace the u-joint on the front axle. I did ask the 4x4 repair shop to check all the u-joints when I had the lockers done. The did not replace any. I have 140K on them. How long can they last...? It would seem to me that a stonger angle could stress a u-joint.

 

[dmeis]

Joe,

It would be interesting to know if it makes the racket with the front driveshaft removed...I rode in your rig during the colors run and was suprised by the noise/vibration.

Maybe you could have it removed when we do Barking Dog tomorrow?

 

[rpenner54]

Joe, My front driveshaft needs to be rebuilt. When driving in 4x4 mode I get a REAL nasty sound coming from my truck. I think its because the CV cannot be greased and gets dry. Mabey we should ride in each others and compare?



------------------
Ryan Penner
1992 Explorer Sport

 

[Joe Dietz]

Thanks for the feedback. I ran a test today. I put the vehicle in 4x4 without the hubs being locked...result...I had the same noise and vibration. I think it just might be that CV joint. The CV has not been touched in 140K miles.

If I pull the front drive shaft will fluid leak from the transfer case? This will be a easy way to see if the noise is related to front end or drive shaft.

thanks

 

[dmeis]

I believe the front uses U bolts...the axle is flanged...youll be OK to drive on it removed...

 

[Joe Dietz]

Vibration and Noise in 4x4 mode not fixed...yet...

I replace the front u-joints and the yoke/centering socket. I also replace the rear u-joints. I also cleaned and greased the slip joints on both the front and rear drive shafts. The rear had some burring. All in all the slip joints look good.

I did NOT remove, inspect or tighten,(to 200ft/lbs) the transfer case flange(s).

I am confident that the axle flanges are tight and in good shape. I just had lockers added and the differentials were serviced.

Should I tighten the transfer case flanges? I would have done this but I did not have sockets that were big enough.

...Other suggestions on where the vibration my be originating....

thanks

 

[Joe Dietz]

Here is a parts list for the drive shaft maintenance. This is applicable to my 1993
4dr, Auto with electronic 4wheel drive.

You will need a total of 5 u-joints. Three for the front and two the rear. Ford Part#: F1TZ-4635-C. They should cost about $30/each. The "Ford" u-joints are made by Spicer.

The front drive shaft yoke/cv-joing is a fun one. You can NOT buy it from Ford. Ford wants to sell you a $400 new drive shaft. My local dealer sent me to a drive shaft specialty store. The yoke/centering socket is made by Spicer. I brought the old one in and they matched it up. The Spicer part number is 211544X.

...this is for a 1993 4dr/4WD and auto transmission. Your parts may differ...