Vibration 94 ranger 4x4

[Tbarnes93]

I wasnt sure where to post this but here we go. I am getting vibration at speeds about 45. It feels to me like its coming from the front. I took it to get aligned and the mechanic told me that my front u joints were bad and that i needed to replace them before it can be aligned. So I'm going to replace my tie rod ends and ball joints while im doing my front u joints anyways. My question is would front u joints (at the front wheels) have play in them give vibration or shake without my front hubs locked in? and does the front drive shaft move at all without the front end locked in? (manual locking hubs) or could it be just my drive shaft u joints?I also have a flat leaf spring if that matters ordered 2 new ones today. any ideas?

 

[RonD]

You should do the lower and upper ball joints with the axle u-joints, tie rod ends should be ok, but can be replaced as needed, I have over 300k with original tie rod ends, but ball joints did wear out and u-joints.

You are correct, the axle u-joints wouldn't cause a vibration with hubs and transfer case disengaged, they wouldn't be moving.

Yes rear drive shaft u-joints do wear out, and can cause a vibration but most notice a "clunking" sound when stopping or starting as the first sign of drive shaft issue.

 

[black_demon69]

i rebuilt mine with the thought that i didnt want to do it again so i replaced all seals, spindle bearings, wheel bearings, u joints all of them, axel pivot bushings, sway bar bushings and end links, radius arm bushings, ball joints upper and lower,tie rod ends inner and outer, front springs, shocks front and rear, camber bushings, 2 tires, rotors, calipers, and pads...

admittedly most parts were still good but i figured i will never have to do it again. job total was around $1100 with shipping money well spent in my opinion.. the other reason is i drive 40 to 50,000 miles a year and down time has to be limited....