Bent/tweaked axle shaft/axle housing?

[IKE]

It seems to me that the shifting of the alignment when you step on the gas is indicative of something shifting or moving, vs a bent frame, where it would just crab down the road, correct? I understand that the frame can still be an issue, but basically, is the first statement mostly correct? I just had a thrust angle alignment done, and the problem seems to be worse now, that is, it seems to pull harder now that I've had an alignment.

I had the shop "check the frame." I know, real detailed there, but all I know is that they have a frame rack and they "checked" it out, LOL.

Could I have something bent in the front suspension that throws off the alignment when the weight transfers and the suspension cycles? Another symptom I should have mentioned is "stair-stepping" of the front tires' tread blocks.

 

[AllanD]

My latest question, I know when you drop the driveshaft to replace u-joints you should mark the yoke and the flange to preserve balance, what do you do when swapping a rearend? Is that one of those situations where you just have to match it up the same orientation as the original, then move it 180 degrees if you get vibration?

Also, does the rear diff cover need a gasket, or is RTV sufficient?

Thanks!

The whole thing about matching the driveshaft to the rear to "maintain balance" is a load of crap, because when you have a driveshaft balanced
at a driveshaft shop they don't have the axle to spin with the driveshaft

If you have a driveshaft vibration issue don't move the driveshaft,
replace BOTH U-joints then have it balanced.

The driveshaft spins at 3000-4000rpm so I tend to worry about balance.

For the rear cover Ford never used a "gasket". RTV is factory. Get some permatex "Ultra" in the color of your choice.

a pull that varies with power application has GOT to be something OBVIOUS.

Though it could be something odd... if the truck tends to hook RIGHT on application of power check the right rear shock.

also try Swapping the rear tires side to side and see if the direction of the pull changes.

Trust me a lot of problems attributed to "something broken" turns out to be an internal issue with a tire.




AD

 

[IKE]

a pull that varies with power application has GOT to be something OBVIOUS.

Though it could be something odd... if the truck tends to hook RIGHT on application of power check the right rear shock.

also try Swapping the rear tires side to side and see if the direction of the pull changes.

Trust me a lot of problems attributed to "something broken" turns out to be an internal issue with a tire.

AD

I keep looking for something obvious, and it still seems to be eluding me... Tomorrow I plan on getting the truck up on ramps and giving everything the once over again. As far as the tires being the issue, they've been replaced, then swapped, then rotated; same symptom. I'm going to take a look at the upper shock mounts tomorrow, how do Rangers handle without shock absorbers? Think I can safely negotiate the block long enough to see if it pulls without them? LOL.... I'm willing to try anything at this point!

Oh yeah.... I did use a Fel-Pro gasket on the diff cover, seems to be working fine; RTV and myself don't get along, remember the old story (it was either here or RPS, I think) of the guy that got some type of chemical matter, it might have been roll-on bedliner, on his "hookus." That's the type of thing I'd do. Easier for me to use a gasket.

 

[Sunk]

Ive driven without shocks before, its not too bad. Its just bouncy, and keeps on bouncing. It kinda feels ridiculous after a bit, but if you're only going around the block, you'll be fine.

 

[IKE]

Cool, sounds like I'll try that tomorrow... bouncy, bouncy, bouncy.... I'll tell em I got juice.

 

[rickcdewitt]

haha you remember the explorer forum thread?if you pee with that stuff on your hands and forget about it maybe he deseved it.

 

[IKE]

That's where I heard it.... I think that was just about the longest thread I had ever seen, not to mention the funniest...

The "hookus..."

 

[Jspafford]

"HOOTUS" I believe

 

[IKE]

"HOOTUS" I believe

That's it! I sat here for about 30 minutes last night, trying to remember the exact word and which forum it was on. At least I've accomplished something today, even if it is off-topic.

Tomorrow I work on the truck, today was to be the day, but my dishwasher had other ideas.... but hey, I've got that back together, the floor is almost dry, water is not dripping into the basement anymore; I guess I've accomplished something, although if my glasses aren't squeaky clean, I'm throwing that thing across the yard! (piece of ****)

***ON EDIT*** I tried driving without the shocks, and while I mostly felt like I belonged in a Cheech and Chong movie, I also noticed that the pull is still there. The upper mounts are still solid and appear fine.