92 Explorer Drive Shaft Vibration

[Sevensecondsuv]

Recently my explorer has started an annoying vibration whenever you accelerate hard or push the clutch in and coast. It does not vibrate when you coast with the clutch out or just maintain speed.

I popped the rear DS out and took it for a spin in FWD. It's smooth as glass. I replaced the rear U-joints not too long ago and have been greasing them religiously ever since so I was not surprised to find that they were in excellent condition.

I took the DS into a driveshaft place to have them check it for balance and straightness. They'll be looking at it monday.

You guys think I'm on the right track here?

 

[Mutant Pony]

Yup. Sounds like you found it.
How did the u-joints feel when you pulled the shaft? To tight or to loose? Is the slider wore out? How about the yoke on the rear end? Any up and down play there?

 

[Sevensecondsuv]

To me the U-joints felt fine. But the DS place just called and said that they have a lot of side to side movement and need to be replaced. I didn't notice this when I checked them. He quoted me $85 to install new u-joints, balance, lube, and replace the rubber boot clamps. He said he couldn't even balance it the way the u-joints are now.

Think my 2" lift has anything to do with u-joints wearing out in 25,000 miles?

 

[Sevensecondsuv]

Got the shaft back and installed... Wow what a difference! So much smoother. Maybe once I replace the passenger wheel bearings and get the tires balanced it will be as smooth as my ranger! That'll be the day...