My 62 Ranchero is shaking the shit outta me....Heres the symptoms: The vibration starts at about 45 mph, and gets progressively worse until about 63 mph, at which point it stops immediately. It doesn't get gradually better, it just flat STOPS, at that speed. runs smooth as can be at 75-80 mph.... The weird part is that after it quits vibrating, I can slow down and drive at any speed above about 50, and its smooth. When its shaking, I can put it in neutral, and the vibration continues. It is most noticable in the shifter itself... Now, heres what I have done about it to this point.....New trans mount, clutch, wheels and tires, Hell, I even changed out the complete rearend...( I had a spare...) To make this even weirder, at one point I pulled the driveshaft, and the front u-joint seemed really tight, so I changed it....this cured the problem....for about 2 days. So, I pulled it again, but this time the joint was fine...So, the questions are..... Its gotta be something to do with the driveshaft, right? How much slip yoke is OK to have hanging out the back of the trans? I haven't measured it, but it looks to be about 1 3/4 inch... Could it be something in the trans? Output shaft maybe? Still does it in neutral, so maybe not? Right now, I'm thinking my next move is having the driveshaft balanced, but I have throwing MORE money at it, I've been fighting this problem for about 2 months now... This was my daily, and will be again, if I get it fixed. I need any input you have...driving my lame ass f-150 every day has me on the brink of suicide......help please.....
well i would suggest gettin the driveline balanced , its never a bad idea, but also when your acceralting the rear of your car squats, which may cause the drive shaft to push forward into the tranny, have a buddy look under the car (dont get under it) while you basically power brake it dont spin the tires and see if it moves forwards or backwards.
Square Tires....!!!!!!!! No Really..., krupanut had the same problem and found out that his bias-plies were loosing their round shape and the shifter would litterally bruise your leg if it were to hit it...!!! He changed the tires and the problem went away...! I suggest that you substitute a set from your everyday beater on it and if it smooths out.., you've located your problem...! Good Luck!
How much play do you have between the yoke and the tailshaft bushing? That's a common source of vibration when it wears.