Vibration/shudder while under power

[modelageek]

2004 Ranger has a vibration/shudder while under power. Does not do it when coasting in neutral. It appears to be from the front, floorboards vibrate, etc. I jacked the entire front up and off the ground and checked as best as I could and didn't notice anything. I took it to my mechanic who is usually pretty good but I have a feeling he mailed this one in. He had it for 4 days and drove it around and said he could not notice or find anything. He said he crawled under and checked u-joints. I don't think he even put it on the lift. The owner/boss I think was on vacation. Its obviously there when you accelerate. They are normally competent. They installed the used engine I bought when I purchased the truck 6 years ago with a blown timing chain. The only code I pulled was the p0420 which has been on for 2 years. it feels a little bit like a bad wheel bearings but I don't think that is it. thoughts? TIA!

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Auto or manual

 

[modelageek]

Auto

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Auto

That sounds like torque converter shudder...assuming the U joints are tight....hows the trans fluid/color/level? Last time it had a filter change?

 

[modelageek]

4WD... I've considered that maybe it's something in the 4WD. I've kept up on all maintenance. The only issue with the truck was/is the p0420 but since it is over 15 years old it passes inspection.

 

[modelageek]

That sounds like torque converter shudder...assuming the U joints are tight....hows the trans fluid/color/level? Last time it had a filter change?

Hhhmmm, interesting..... Truck has 184k I bought it with 137k w/bad timing chain. Looks like tranny fluid was changed at 120k but don't know if filter was changed. It has a separate tranny cooler. Fluid is pink
/red and still spells like tranny fluid. Not burnt at all.

 

[modelageek]

I just ordered a wix filter. I think I'll do a fluid exchange. It's due for one. I have a Walmart 2 miles away. Will Mercon V ST work or is there something better. I do dislike Walmart. Thoughts.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Mercon V should be just fine.

 

[modelageek]

Mercon V should be just fine.

update: it appears to be much better:
wallys world was out of transmission fluid. Oreilys wanted $93 for 12 quarts of maxlife. I decided to just go to Valvoline. I am fully aware of the perils of the tranny flush. I was out the door with 10 freash quarts of maxlife in 30 minutes for $150.07. truck runs much better. I have a wix filter kit showing up. maybe ill drop the pan and change it and add 3 new quarts. if she blows she blows. I have another car and I am hoping to get 2 years and about 12k miles out of her. I ordered a cybertruck. hope its ready for me in 2 years. while i was waiting at Vavlvoline the crv in the bay next to me was getting a tranny fluid exchange and right when mine was done the another car in the same bay next to me was getting one. 3 in 30 minutes. its been about 90 degrees around here for a few weeks, that night of added to my issue. thanks for the help Rusty.!!!!

 

[rusty ol ranger]

update: it appears to be much better:
wallys world was out of transmission fluid. Oreilys wanted $93 for 12 quarts of maxlife. I decided to just go to Valvoline. I am fully aware of the perils of the tranny flush. I was out the door with 10 freash quarts of maxlife in 30 minutes for $150.07. truck runs much better. I have a wix filter kit showing up. maybe ill drop the pan and change it and add 3 new quarts. if she blows she blows. I have another car and I am hoping to get 2 years and about 12k miles out of her. I ordered a cybertruck. hope its ready for me in 2 years. while i was waiting at Vavlvoline the crv in the bay next to me was getting a tranny fluid exchange and right when mine was done the another car in the same bay next to me was getting one. 3 in 30 minutes. its been about 90 degrees around here for a few weeks, that night of added to my issue. thanks for the help Rusty.!!!!

No problem.

 

[modelageek]

Fyi: transmission got better as I put miles on it. Right now it is pretty smooth. I know ATF is a good detergent, maybe its cleaning it up.