94 ranger - heavy vibration in neutral on highway

[suprapsu]

I have a 94 ranger 2wd 5 speed and when I cruise on the highway in 5 gear it doesn't vibrate that bad but when I put the gear in neutral it vibrates like crazy. When I put it back in 5th gear the vibration goes away. What do you think the problem is?

 

[Nater]

first of all, I wouldn't be putting the shifter in neutral on the highway in the first place....but that is just me
Honestly, it could be a couple of things.... Yes I know, my suggestions are stang related, but these can also be causes for you too.
1.Driveshaft is out of allignment just a tad bit...(had this happen on my stang when I put my 4.30s in)
2.Either trans mounts or motor mounts are worn or ripped. (had this also happen on the stang with I put in the 5.4)

 

[BogusSVO]

check your U-joints in the driveshaft.....

may could be a bad pinion bearing in the rear also

 

[trail B2]

check your U-joints in the driveshaft.....

may could be a bad pinion bearing in the rear also

x2 U-Joint

 

[Irokranger93]

I think that its motor mounts are worn or ripped and trans mount possibility

 

[Nater]

Not 100% sure on the U-joint being the fault. The reason being that is should vibrate then when out of gear too. I am leaning more towards the trans mount.

 

[suprapsu]

Thank You for the suggestions. I will check both and let you folks know what the culprit is.

 

[suprapsu]

the motor mount is good and the transmission mount is good. I also notice that when coming to a stop it has this clicking noise when I apply the brakes.

A fellow ranger forum member recommended I check the trans output for some rotational play. How would i go about doing that?

 

[katoranger]

I have a similar problem and my rear u-joint is shot. The vibes get worse when you put the clutch in.

 

[JEB1962]

Just went through the same thing with my rear u-joint. Much more vibration when clutch was pulled in. I replaced front and rear at the same time. I still have a little vibration but my trans mount bushing are shot and I also need an alignment and tires balanced.