1999 ranger 4 cyl. driveshaft balancer broken off.

[kburley]

well, for a few weeks now the truck has had a horrible resonating sound around 2000 rpm and I've noticed its been a little rougher and shakier to drive. I got under the truck today and saw that the drive shaft balancer (perfectly cylindrical, attached with a gasket right between the U joints and the back of the tranny) had broken off and is just there rattling around. I have not driven it since I found the problem, but I did note that the truck got rougher and rougher to drive as time went on. It's not horrible to drive right now, but I definitely noticed something was up.
I guess what I'm asking is... what do I do? I've read probably ten different answers on the internet. I've heard everything from take it off and keep driving all the way to replacing the drive shaft. any input greatly appreciated.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I'm not familiar with what you're describing. Can you post a pic?

 

[kburley]

as I'm sure you see, the U joint has a rubber like gasket on it, and the piece in my hand should be wrapped around that gasket (the inside of the cylinder is also coated with the rubbery material) but it broke off and is not rattling around
also, I feel I should add that this part is only found on the four cylinder trucks because they need more balance (90 deg.) than a v6 (60 deg.) or v8 (45 deg.)

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I see. My suggestion is a junk yard. I don't believe that piece balances, but does absorb vibrations.

 

[kburley]

I see. My suggestion is a junk yard. I don't believe that piece balances, but does absorb vibrations.

Hmmm... the question now becomes, how do I replace it? its one thing to have it in your hand, but I wonder if its even possible to replace it. that rubber gasket will probably be tough to get off and I'm not even sure what kind of tools it will need. wondering if it might be easier to to get a junk yard drive shaft and swap it out. also, if I did replace the ring and the gasket, I'm pretty sure id need not have it pressed on, which means full removal anyway. thankfully its not the xl so its a one piece shaft.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

That piece would be molded in from the factory. It would require removing the u-joint and replacing the whole piece. A junk yard shaft is easiest.

 

[kburley]

That piece would be molded in from the factory. It would require removing the u-joint and replacing the whole piece. A junk yard shaft is easiest.

perhaps even just replace the whole U joint?
Well thanks for your help.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

NP

 

[Captain Ledd]

I had that happen on mine. I just took mine off and noticed no difference. Been probably 50,000 miles now. Still no issues even with my steep gearing.

I'm sure it does stuff, if you notice it having some vibrations then I'd replace the part. But you should be able to drive it for at least a couple weeks without much issue.

 

[kburley]

I had that happen on mine. I just took mine off and noticed no difference. Been probably 50,000 miles now. Still no issues even with my steep gearing.

I'm sure it does stuff, if you notice it having some vibrations then I'd replace the part. But you should be able to drive it for at least a couple weeks without much issue.

just took it off. Here's to hoping it lasts another 100,000 kilometres