Vibration at highway speeds

[Kobe0625]

Hey yall new to the ranger world and looking for some help. I’ve got a 93 xlt 5 speed and I am experiencing very steady vibration at highway speeds, usually starting around 45-50 mph. Tires are like new and everything’s balanced. Was curious if anyone had any thoughts on what it could be.

I barely qualify as a backyard mechanic but looking to do more work myself. It doesn’t feel like an engine/transmission problem. Struts and springs are going to be replaced here soon anyways but I feel it wouldn’t be the direct cause. Thanks in advance!

 

[Brain75]

I hit a big pot hole hard (filled full of water / blind), bent all 4 rims on my daily driver GM... the only 2 things that showed up was very steady vibration at speeds > 35 mph that went away > 60 mph and tire shop noticed when they were balancing.... But I don't think they noticed it the first 2 times around. I ignored it so long it wore out the lower A frame bushings and the alignment shop refused to align... So I got to ask.... hit any curbs or potholes dang hard?

 

[Terrys87]

Could be U-joints while moving down the road. Brake hubs usually only cause issues when braking. I would ask an alighnment shop to check front end.

 

[pjtoledo]

2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive?
what size and type of tires?
low speed vibrations tend to be something bent or out of round.
find a good road and drive about 20-40 and pay attention for any wiggle or rhythmic shaking.
20-40 is to slow for out of balance to be a factor.
get the wheels off the ground and spin them, hold a reference "tool" close to the rim to check for out of round.
do the inside edge too.

hubs/bearings/brakes can cause vibrations. so can improper torquing of the nuts.

 

[Kobe0625]

I hit a big pot hole hard (filled full of water / blind), bent all 4 rims on my daily driver GM... the only 2 things that showed up was very steady vibration at speeds > 35 mph that went away > 60 mph and tire shop noticed when they were balancing.... But I don't think they noticed it the first 2 times around. I ignored it so long it wore out the lower A frame bushings and the alignment shop refused to align... So I got to ask.... hit any curbs or potholes dang hard?

I haven’t since I’ve owned the truck but have only had it about a month and consistently drove it for a week or so as I’ve been either out of town or working on it.