Shutter at takeoff fixed

[VegasRanger]

Hi Steve,

Choose the rear shaft about the middle. Just mark the starting point do you can keep track of where you are. Where to start is not an issue...pick a spot and start the process. Make sense???

best,
Phil

Phil I’ve been doing a lot of research on drive shafts angles and phasing, and I noticed mine is slightly out of phase. Is it normal for these to be out of phase on these rangers? Mine is definitely out of phase. The first drive shaft coming from the transfer case to the center carrier is perfect, but from the center carrier back, the one on the rear axle is slightly out of phase on mine

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[Dahveed]

Phil I’ve been doing a lot of research on drive shafts angles and phasing, and I noticed mine is slightly out of phase. Is it normal for these to be out of phase on these rangers? Mine is definitely out of phase. The first drive shaft coming from the transfer case to the center carrier is perfect, but from the center carrier back, the one on the rear axle is slightly out of phase on mine

I think that's been about the norm for the Ranger. Some people have pulled theirs apart and reindexed them. Driveshaft Phasing | 2019+ Ford Ranger and Raptor Forum (5th Generation) - Ranger5G.com

Also, I could be way off base here, but that driveshaft seems to have a lot of balancing weight welded to it, doesn't it?

 

[VegasRanger]

I think that's been about the norm for the Ranger. Some people have pulled theirs apart and reindexed them. Driveshaft Phasing | 2019+ Ford Ranger and Raptor Forum (5th Generation) - Ranger5G.com

Also, I could be way off base here, but that driveshaft seems to have a lot of balancing weight welded to it, doesn't it?

Yeah both drive shafts are riddled with weights

 

[VegasRanger]

I think that's been about the norm for the Ranger. Some people have pulled theirs apart and reindexed them. Driveshaft Phasing | 2019+ Ford Ranger and Raptor Forum (5th Generation) - Ranger5G.com

Also, I could be way off base here, but that driveshaft seems to have a lot of balancing weight welded to it, doesn't it?

Is it worth to try reindexing? I was thinking of pulling mine down anyways to lube the splines, but don’t want to mess with reindexing if there’s a reason Ford installed it like this

 

[VegasRanger]

Most driveshaft vibrations are a result of improper angles, sure it can be out of balance even if it's a new shaft, for the cost I think anyone that is dealing with a vibration issue should get a digital angle meter, it will allow proper measurement of the working angles, through that it can be determined if it is the center support or the pinon that needs adjustment, for the $37.90 it is worth it.

The easiest way is to zero it on the front shaft, then measure the flange or yoke at the trans, that will tell you the front working angle, then measure the rear shaft, that will tell you the working angle through the center joint, zero on the rear shaft, then check the pinon flange, that will give you all 3 working angles

And yes, if you call driveshaft shops you may get different answers (I did) on what is considered proper working angles, most everybody agrees that you want them as equal as possible and no more than 1 degree split between angles.

Just my 2 cents, only worth a penny!!

Here is the gauge link;

https://www.amazon.com/Inclinometer...ds=digital+angle+meter&qid=1629213937&sr=8-12

Here are some confusing at times driveline articles, the top one is very comprehensive;

https://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Driveline-101.shtml?utm_source=pocket_mylist

https://spicerparts.com/anglemaster/measuring-angles?utm_source=pocket_mylist

https://4xshaft.com/blogs/general-tech-info-articles/driveshaft-angles?utm_source=pocket_mylist

I ordered the one you recommended, but for now I used an app called TREMEC, according to this app I am nearly zeroed out which is no good. Took the measurements 4 times to confirm and same results. Followed instructions per driveshaft specialist. I know it’s not super accurate, but still interesting

 

[Fitzmotor]

I have to check that app out, does it measure through the camera or is it a physical measurement?

What joint is that measuring, pinon or center? either way zero is less than optimal.

With the gauge, always double/triple check the zero, let it stabilize for quite a few seconds, and check the driveshaft tube in several locations, top and bottom, mine seemed to have about 0.01 degree variation, so I used the number that repeated in multiple locations.
Also dont pull or push the driveshaft, I grabbed it and pulled myself under once as I was crawling under, the center support is so flexible it changed the numbers.

 

[VegasRanger]

I have to check that app out, does it measure through the camera or is it a physical measurement?

What joint is that measuring, pinon or center? either way zero is less than optimal.

With the gauge, always double/triple check the zero, let it stabilize for quite a few seconds, and check the driveshaft tube in several locations, top and bottom, mine seemed to have about 0.01 degree variation, so I used the number that repeated in multiple locations.
Also dont pull or push the driveshaft, I grabbed it and pulled myself under once as I was crawling under, the center support is so flexible it changed the numbers.

check this out

 

[Fitzmotor]

That's basically the same as the purpose built angle meter, pretty impressive.

 

[VegasRanger]

Hi Steve,

Choose the rear shaft about the middle. Just mark the starting point do you can keep track of where you are. Where to start is not an issue...pick a spot and start the process. Make sense???

best,
Phil

Hey Phil another question for you. What would cause a vibration that comes and goes?

Few things I did this weekend. I lowered the struts from 3" to 2.5, lubed (SUPER DRY) the splines on the driveshaft, changed out rear diff oil (man was that filthy and covered in metal on the magnet), and got the wheels road forced balanced again. Lubing the splines I feel made a huge difference. The driveline feels so much smoother now.

The truck feels a lot better. Here's what I noticed, the truck when its been sitting a while will ride smooth, after its been driving for a while it's starts the vibration again. Starts at around 69 mph. Feel it in my seats. Before I did these things I would always get this vibrations. Now it seems like it comes and goes, but mainly does it after its been driven for a while, then starts creeping up again. Feel like I am making some progress since at least I got it to where its not always vibrating now. Could it be center carrier getting warm and getting too loose?

 

[P. A. Schilke]

Hey Phil another question for you. What would cause a vibration that comes and goes?

Few things I did this weekend. I lowered the struts from 3" to 2.5, lubed (SUPER DRY) the splines on the driveshaft, changed out rear diff oil (man was that filthy and covered in metal on the magnet), and got the wheels road forced balanced again. Lubing the splines I feel made a huge difference. The driveline feels so much smoother now.

The truck feels a lot better. Here's what I noticed, the truck when its been sitting a while will ride smooth, after its been driving for a while it's starts the vibration again. Starts at around 69 mph. Feel it in my seats. Before I did these things I would always get this vibrations. Now it seems like it comes and goes, but mainly does it after its been driven for a while, then starts creeping up again. Feel like I am making some progress since at least I got it to where its not always vibrating now. Could it be center carrier getting warm and getting too loose?

Hi Steve,

A bit baffling....My take is to start adjusting tire pressures. Take a couple pounds out of the tires, cold and see if it makes a difference...my thought is as the tires warm up the pressures result in this vibration and maybe if the pressure build is below this possible "trigger" pressure the ride will smooth out...just a hunch on my part...

best,
Phil

 

[navsnipe]

Hi Steve,

A bit baffling....My take is to start adjusting tire pressures. Take a couple pounds out of the tires, cold and see if it makes a difference...my thought is as the tires warm up the pressures result in this vibration and maybe if the pressure build is below this possible "trigger" pressure the ride will smooth out...just a hunch on my part...

best,
Phil

I have noticed a similar issue but at all speeds with my stock 265/60-18 tires when they are above 34 psi on the TPMS display. The vibration is definitely noticeable at highway speeds over ripply roads. We have quite a few in NY. I had a loaner for a few days last summer with 265/65-17 tires and they were much more compliant over the same roads.

 

[kieefer]

+1 on the come and go vibs. Rather baffling @P. A. Schilke @VegasRanger

Mine is a lot better but just as soon as I brag on it the gremlins will come back.

Something I’ve noticed, if I have the vibs and then take a trip to my family graveyard I care for, which is on a bumpy rode, the vibs will be gone afterwards. Almost like something is moved back in place due to the rough ride?
I been deliberately hauling ass on this road just for that benefit.

I think I’ll change my gear oil after your findings.

 

[VegasRanger]

+1 on the come and go vibs. Rather baffling @P. A. Schilke

Mine is a lot better but just as soon as I brag on it the gremlins will come back.

Something I’ve noticed, if I have the vibs and then take a trip to my family graveyard I care for, which is on a bumpy rode, the vibs will be gone afterwards. Almost like something is moved back in place due to the rough ride.

I think I’ll change my gear oil after your findings.

Yes! I’ve noticed the same exact thing. If it’s smooth riding, I may hit a rough patch of road then as soon as I’m back on smooth road it’s back. The other day I was driving and truck was riding smooth as glass, took an exit and hit a bumpy dirt road, soon as I was back on the same highway it started vibrating. Or vise versa, could be riding rough, if I hit a big enough bump or something rough, she’ll ride smooth again

 

[WNCblueridge]

Yes! I’ve noticed the same exact thing. If it’s smooth riding, I may hit a rough patch of road then as soon as I’m back on smooth road it’s back. The other day I was driving and truck was riding smooth as glass, took an exit and hit a bumpy dirt road, soon as I was back on the same highway it started vibrating. Or vise versa, could be riding rough, if I hit a big enough bump or something rough, she’ll ride smooth again

Observed similar vibration characteristics under these conditions as well. Smooth as can be while at cruising speed then suddenly tremendous vibrating throughout cabin. Slight barely noticeable vibrations when brand new and has gotten more apparent to now at 3800 miles. Sometimes vibrations are so pronounced that I start feeling whoozy. During longer distance drives the vibrating never lasts more than approx 15 miles then back to smooth/ no vibes.... 21 Ranger here

 

[Trigganometry]

Years ago had a new Ranger and had vibration problems that would come and go. It was a garbage shock that ended up being the culprit. When it got warmed up is when the fun started

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