tranny tailshaft counterweight

[Jakethesnake]

Newbie here, got a problem with an 04 Ranger 4 cyl. Son comes in yesterday and tells me that his tranny is going out. I freak out until I see the prob. There's a counterweight (think right term) right in front of the front u-joint. It had came loose and was just slinging around. Looks like a boat prop on the inside (rubber), but it probably weighs 5-6 lbs. Anyway, we dropped ds and just took it off. I guess my question is, do we need to replace it if there's no vibration? Seems fine without it so far.

thanks in advance!
Murph

 

[mentalbreakdown00]

sounds like the counterwieght on the driveshaft maybe?

 

[rangerrager]

nope there is a counter weight or what lloks to be a counter weight on the back of the trans,but i do not know what it does..i will leave this to one of the more experienced mechanics

 

[milje]

Weird, same thing happened on my 05.

I yanked it off of my truck and have had no problems.

 

[mentalbreakdown00]

It's to help with vibrations, I have taken them off also.

 

[milje]

It's to help with vibrations, I have taken them off also.

That's why I named it the 6 pound chunk of irony when mine broke free

 

[Jakethesnake]

Thanks fellas. Sounds like I don't really need it! It's NOT mounted on the tranny, but it's in front of the front u-joint. So I don't know what you'd call it!!!

Murph

 

[srteach]

Harmonic balancer. It's put on there so the factory can get the driveline "almost balanced" at the factory. If you have a properly balanced driveshaft, remove it and forget it.
If the driveshaft is not properly balanced, you will get small vibrations that pulse in and out. If you do get the pulse vibrations, balance the driveshaft.

 

[Jakethesnake]

Thanks SRTeach, I'll keep a look out for those pulse vibrations. My son says it's not vibrating. I had him hold onto the shifter (manual) while he drove and see if he felt anything there. I imagine I'll drive it myself soon to see what I feel.

Thanks again for all the help, great forum!

Murph

 

[littletacobandit]

driveshaft counterweight

Ok, thanks to all who commented on this. I have the same prob on my 98 2wd and was wondering what it was rolling around on my down there. The sleeve has a rubber bushing inside. It is a weight to counter vibration apparently as I noticed several drill holes on it to reduce weight I suspect. As far as I am concerned thats what it is and I am removing it and going to drive as is unless I NOTICE A TERRIBLE SHAKING. What kinda bolts are those multi sided freaks holding my rear driveshafts ujoint by the rear end? And what size? I don't have those in my simple tool kit.

 

[adsm08]

It's a 12 point 12 mm bolt head.