Driveshaft vibration dampener? Something is loose...

[jaynine89]

Got a question for you guys. I was driving this weekend and under harder braking and turning, heard this noise that sounded like I was dragging a muffler or something. Got out and looked a few separate times, nothing. Got home and starting tapping things with a hammer underneath, and found that there is a 3" wide, ~4.5" diameter metal collar at the front of the driveshaft that was sliding onto the tail of the transmission when I was braking, and then rattling around from there.

A mechanic friend of mine took a look at it and seems to think its a vibration dampener, to prevent driveshaft vibration from working its way into the transmission where it could do damage. He said I need to order and install the transmission yoke. Do you guys agree with this? And is there a way to order just the transmission yoke, or do I need to order the whole damn driveshaft assembly? I have done both U-Joints already and didn't notice the collar being loose at the time.

Prior to this, I had some vibration at highway speeds (after the U-Joints), but I chalked that up to aftermarket wheels and tires not being completely balanced. After having them balanced and a full allignment including ball-joints and the right rear shackle, I still had a vibration. Now this piece is loose and I haven't gotten to highway speeds, but I imagine there will be more vibration.

Truck is a 2001 Ranger XL 2.3L 5-speed 2WD. Thanks in advance.

J9

 

[adsm08]

Yes, there is a dampener on the 2wd slip yoke, and the yoke can be purchased and replaced by itself. No need for a whole new drive shaft.

It sounds to me like that is a good place to start.

 

[jaynine89]

Thanks for the advice. Where would I be able to pick one of those up? Do I need to go to a Ford dealership, or do most parts stores carry them? I called O'Reilly's, who I generally like going to, but they only had the whole driveshaft for $300 or so.

 

[jaynine89]

Yes, there is a dampener on the 2wd slip yoke, and the yoke can be purchased and replaced by itself. No need for a whole new drive shaft.

It sounds to me like that is a good place to start.

I've gone to the Ford Dealership in town and was given a part number of 4841. I did a google search quick and it looks like the part I need, but it doesn't look like it has the dampener mine did.

Any ideas on that?