Sharing - A4LD OD Vibration

[reds61on]

This is a 1986 2.9 A4LD 4x4 Supercab truck that I bought for $500 with 66K original miles. It had a significant vibration in OD but was not present in drive at the same speed. I searched the Internet for possible causes including this forum. One of the possibilities was a miss that would be noticed in OD due to the low RPM. Wanting to go with least cost first, I changed the plugs to Motorcraft coppers. Found a crack in the porcelain on plug #5 (splitfires that my dad swore by but that I don't). Long story short is that my vibration in OD no longer exists and was due to a miss. Obviously the truck runs much better as well. I know that OD vibrations are not always from ignition spark issues but wanted to share my experience.

 

[RangerMan64]

Welcome to the forums reds61on! I'm glad it was something cheap to fix your problem.

A question for you, where did you find that Ranger for $500 with such low miles?

 

[reds61on]

It belonged to my Dad. He bought it in 1995 with 38K on it. It was his pride and joy. He died in 1999 and my sister and her husband got it. They let it sit outside and rarely drove it. It got to the point where the paint on the hood an roof was peeling, leaked water to the inside, had moss on it and tires rotting. I offered them $500 as I was tired of seeing it in that condition. Battery and fluid changes first and then the plugs. Getting new tires today. It runs great now, doesn't leak but needs cosmetics. Thanks for asking!

 

[RangerMan64]

That's too bad. It's good that you actually care about the Ranger. Does it still leak water inside, and if not, how did you fix the problem? My 88 leaks as well.

 

[reds61on]

Yes, I did stop the leaks. Sealed around the lower part and up the sides of the windshield with silicone sealant. Removed the cargo light and resealed around it. Cleaned out the cowl space as it was plugged with dirt, leaves and moss. Have had some serious showers this spring and no leaks. Man, I hope I didn't jinx myself!