Vibration problem

[89LiftedRanger]

Hello everyone I'm new here, I have a 1989 Ranger, 2.9L, 5spd manual, 4x4, extended cab with an 8inch suspension lift. My problem right now is when you put it in first and let out the clutch it vibrates (yes i do know how to drive stick, done it since i was 16 lol), it used to do it really bad but i replaced the tranny mount and now its better but still does it some. Could this be due to the drive shaft angle? Or that center bearing on the drive shaft? (there is some play in it but i dont know how much is too much) any thoughts or ideas will be appreciated, thank you!

 

[srteach]

Center bearing on an 8 inch lift? WHY?

Yes, the center bearing could cause major vibration.

 

[89LiftedRanger]

That's how I bought it, is there a better way to go with that setup? I'm pretty sure its an 8 inch lift that's what the guy told me when I bought it, it is pretty tall too.

 

[srteach]

It may be only that you need u-joints in the driveline, or the center bearing is bad. If the center bearing is bad, now would be a good time to put a one-piece driveline in. A two-piece with that much lift usually wears out the u-joints quickly.

The best (and probably most expensive) thing to do is to replace the two-piece driveline with a one-piece driveline. Then the axle may need to be clocked a few degrees, so the pinion is aiming a little towards the transfer case output. This will reduce or eliminate most of the vibration. if you don't know how to do this, you should get competent help.

 

[4x4junkie]

This page might help.

http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/June04/offroad.htm

 

[89LiftedRanger]

Thanks guys, its gotta be that bearing I just put new u joints in it so i know those are good. I think I'm going to try and find a one piece for it

 

[AllanD]

an '88-up ranger 4x4 with an 8" lift?

I'd shitcan that entire driveline for a one-piece

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[89LiftedRanger]

I found a one piece off a 98 and the guy is going to give it to me for 25 bucks, hopefully it fits!

 

[dhinch279]

^^^^^ Dang, I wish I could find one that cheap

 

[beaujt]

dang, i put a solid driveline from an 03 i think, paid $100 for it, and its aluminum... i had to do some serious cutting underneath to allow for clearance between the gas tank skid plate and the driveline AND i had to get a special u-joint for the front cause of the different flange sizes. Just throw my two cents in there

 

[AllanD]

I JUST removed my own steel one piece in favor of an aluminum one from an '02.

an off sized U-joint is the "Bad" solution to that problem, the better way is to get
square piece with the U-joint ears that goes to the smaller bolt pattern.

The "Best" way is to simply get the larger diameter flange for the Rear
T-case output.

I just made this switch myself, I have never used a "conversion" U-joint
It's too hard to remember what U-joint is needed if I suddenly need one
in the middle of frikkin Iowa.

For me to remember that I have an '02 driveshaft in my truck
AND that it uses the same U-joint as an F-150...
But then again I carry spares... already mounted in the square
companion flange half (that square piece)

most forum advisors recommend the '98-00 shaft, it uses the small
flange in the front.sometime in late '00 or '01 ford switched to the
large flange on the T-case.


I have the "big" 1993 gas tank in my truck and the steel skid plate
and NO clearance issues Vs the aluminum shaft...


AD

 

[liftedredranger]

lets see some pic of the truck

 

[89LiftedRanger]

Thanks for the input guys, i haven't been on here for a while. I just put a new clutch in it and that took care of a lot of the vibration but it still does it. That one piece i found for cheap was the wrong gone it was for an 89...the guy must of heard me wrong. Anyway that center bearing is squealing like hell so i'm probably going to replace that this weekend for the time being. I'll get some pictures up of it too!