Noisy engine surging when in low gear.

[STPL]

1994 2.3l XLT extended cab 5spd.
Whenever I put my foot down and get up to the top end of first or second, then let my foot off the gas while still in gear, it feels like the motor 'bounces' noisily one or two times. Think of engine braking when you're in a low gear at a high RPM. Not like when you let the clutch out way too fast, but more like how the motor lurches forward slightly in the engine bay when under load. The RPMs stay consistent and it usually settles down after a bump or two. Something is rattling each time the engine catches itself before it settles down. I'm trying to pretty pin down how to eliminate this issue, anyone have a similar issue?

 

[tomw]

If the engine is actually lurching around under the hood, I would check the motor mounts.

When you release the gas pedal prepatory to up shifting, to avoid over-revving, the engine will slow down, and if you are near the cutoff, the protection service of the computer may be trying to prevent over-revving. The ignition will be cut at certain rpms when the transmission is in neutral. If the switch thought you were in neutral, it might be cutting.
tom

 

[RonD]

Yes, I would check Motor mounts

Set e-brake or block tires
Open hood
Start engine and put in 1st gear
Left clutch out and watch the engine, it will lift up slightly on one side, SLIGHTLY.
Now do the same in Reverse, engine will slightly raise up in opposite direction.
Then should be no "clunk", or any noise, when you apply or release pressure.
Also watch shifter when doing the tests, it should only shift slightly to one side then the other

 

[STPL]

Yes, I would check Motor mounts

Set e-brake or block tires
Open hood
Start engine and put in 1st gear
Left clutch out and watch the engine, it will lift up slightly on one side, SLIGHTLY.
Now do the same in Reverse, engine will slightly raise up in opposite direction.
Then should be no "clunk", or any noise, when you apply or release pressure.
Also watch shifter when doing the tests, it should only shift slightly to one side then the other

When I'm driving around in gear, I definitely notice that the shifter will move when I hit the gas, especially in lower gears. Any advice on replacing the motor mounts on a 2wd? Am I looking at pulling the engine, or is there enough play to jack the engine up and swap them out from underneath?

 

[RonD]

Yes, you can replace motor and transmission mounts without pulling engine.

Yes, you need to support engine or trans when doing this