I am somewhat new to towing with this truck and when I do tow something(walk behind bobcat bucket or 1000 gallon portable water tank w/ gas engine for pressure), I am getting a strange studder when I take off and sometimes when i am on the road. I thought it may be normal due to fluxuation in the hitch but am unsure. I just want to get clarification or need to be sure my rear-end ring/pinion may be getting worn out.
Thanks,
Mark

Why don't you drive up here next weekend and we can hook it up to something big and give er a yank. I'll be able to tell ya what it is.

You would love that, since after that, I would probably not be able to get back home....LOL
You just want that Anchor pulled for ya...;-)
Mark

Still need a real answer from anyone that can help....
Thanks,
Mark

Is this a constant shudder/jerk while taking off or just 1-2 quick type pulls?

More so constant. I was thinking maybe the ball was too small at first, but it happens with every item I pull.
Mark

I bought the truck from the origional owner that was an older gentleman that towed a 5th wheel maybe 6 to 10 times from 1993 to 2004. I bought the truck with 68,000 miles last year.
Mark

Convertor Shudder?

I wouldn't think the rear end or anything else would be wore out at that mileage. I have seen where the driveshaft came out of balance and caused a shuddering, but that's usually noticeble without the trailer. Only other thing I can think of is the trailer tires out of balance. But you should feel that more at speed than takeoff. Are the trailer brakes or controller correctly adjusted also? I could see how that might seem like a shuddering if they are at the point of being just a tad bit to tight.

???????Juice, Do you mean Torque Converter?
Mark

Terrain,
These were all different trailers from the rental place. Unfortunately I do not own one yet..
Mark
P.S. I keep blowing rear axle seals and am awaiting a newer rear-end from a friend at work.

???????Juice, Do you mean Torque Converter?
Mark

Yes.

The other thing (as pointed out) is to adjust the breaks on the trailer. Turn the star wheel until it is 'just tight' on each wheel, then back off the adjusters 3 clicks each.

I'm curious as to why you keep blowing seals. Has anyone followed you and said anything about one of the rear tires looking like it's shuddering or .......? My son just recently replaced the axle on the drivers side of his (another post:rolleyes: ) because he bent it (the curb won!). Where it was bent was just where it met the seal. I think you can see where I'm going with this. Do you know how big the 5vr was the previous owner had on the back of the truck? I've seen axles bent before because of overloading.

Juice,
You have lost me there as I am new the towing game. I have an extra brake thing under the dash but I was under the impression that it was only set up for the 5th wheel hook up(located forward in the bed) and not the regular 4 prong that hangs out by the bumper.
Please enlighten me as I am a fool to this stuff for now..
Thanks,
Mark

Terrain,
I believe it was a 25' but I can check the actual invoice tomorrow since it was all included with the paperwork in the truck. He bought the truck and trailer new from the same dealer here in Ohio.
Mark
I was starting to wonder if the axle was messed up also, thus the reason for me researching the newer one from the guy at work. The only thing missing from it is the locker and mine works fine. Just need to find someone that knows how to swap them out here locally for an inexpensive price.

By the way, the shuddering also happens upon acceleration.. Any thoughts or would that point it back at the TC?
Mark

Juice,
You have lost me there as I am new the towing game. I have an extra brake thing under the dash but I was under the impression that it was only set up for the 5th wheel hook up(located forward in the bed) and not the regular 4 prong that hangs out by the bumper.
Please enlighten me as I am a fool to this stuff for now..
Thanks,
Mark

On electric trailer brakes, there is a 'star' wheel on each hub that has a brake. The purpose is to set the 'slack' between pads going on under braking and off when the brake is released. If the adjustment wheel (which is connected to an eccentric) are not adjusted properly, one or more brakes will be on 100% and the others will drag. Eventually the 100% brakes will wear into adjustmentwith the misadjusted shoes, but not before some expensive damage is done to the shoes and or drums.

http://www.tekonsha.com/instructions/Voyager%203840%20PDF%20RevJ2.pdf

http://www.championtrailers.com/brkart.html

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/ab_vehicle_types/article/0,2021,DIY_13701_3133443,00.html


As far as Torque convertor shudder, you might have to ask a trans person on what to do if that is a problem. A load cell chassis dyno will help in diagnosing whether it is a driveline issue or a transmission issue.

Good Luck.
J

Terrain,
Also when I first got the truck, one of the first things I did was chage out all the brakes, bearings, seals etc...
Could it be the way I was installing them? I don't have the proper seal installation tool.
Mark

By the way, the shuddering also happens upon acceleration.. Any thoughts or would that point it back at the TC?
Mark

Without driving the truck it is hard to say.

Check the transmission mounts for tightness. Make sure the U Joints are Phased correctly and in good working order.

Eliminate the simple cheap things first.

Bearings in the rear etc.

Check everything that rotates under load. Does it go away at higher or lower RPM? Get Worse?

As far as Torque convertor shudder, you might have to ask a trans person on what to do if that is a problem. A load cell chassis dyno will help in diagnosing whether it is a driveline issue or a transmission issue.

Good Luck.
J

Where could I find one of these dynos? Would they be in a local listing of some sort?
Thanks for the advise. I just want to get the truck running tip top since it is what feeds my family.
Thanks,
Mark

Once I get the new rear end installed I will check that, right now it's hard enough to drive in the rain with no rear brakes due the gear fluid soaking them up and not allowing them to grip. real scary at times.
Mark

There is a load cell dyno in Twinsburg

http://www.mustangdyne.com/Main/contacts.htm#offices

And believe me, I need to rule out the simple/cheap things out first since I have sunk a bunch of money into the truck already and having # 5 on the way is going to make it even harder to get things done.
Mark

How far is Twinsburg from Cincy if you know off the top of your head, if not I will check the map.
Thanks for the info.
Mark

Might have to check the map.

BC is a loooong way from Cincy

I hear ya, Thanks for the info and have a good night.
Mark

The shudderring/jerking could also be from the axle leaking. Wet spot/dry spot, as the wheel goes round. I'm not an expert here but if the new axle isn't complete with brakes, you may also have to replace the drums if the fluid has soaked into the metal. What is the new axle out of?

Terrain,
Not sure, but I believe it is out of a Chevy 3500, year????? but only 63,000 miles.
Does the year make a difference as long as it is the same size set-up(cover, ring, pinion, locker, etc...)
You are killing me with the drum info. I had them cleaned and turned when I did the first change out of everything, but did not realize they could hold the liquid as well. That sucks. I was under the impression that if they could be in rain and snow for long periods of time, that they were dense enough to handle anything. Not another cost I was looking forward to. But if it is that and not the TC, I could handle that. I could replace them for less than what the labor would be for the TC install.
Please let me know what you think.
Thanks,
Mark

Don't panic yet! I've been wrong before and I'll be wrong again!):h Even if it did soak in the depth may not be very deep. It would take alot and some time. Take a look at them when you change the axle and make the call then. It is just a long shot guess so remember that.

Sounds like the rear-end you got will work just fine. I'd put it in and give it a shot before panicing. If the shoes are wet you will have to replace those since the fluid will soak into those pretty easy. Then give the drums a rub with some sandpaper just to break whatever glaze is on them and go from there.

I wish I could help you out more, but Ohio is just a little out of range. Also remember that I'm just a shade tree mechanic. I know just enough to get myself in trouble!:eek:

TT

Terrain,
I know the feeling. The rear-end seems to be out of an 89 Chev but the drums seem to have some sort of extension that mine do not have so I am lost again. I have not had time to take measurements of the axles or the shaft itself since I have been working my a$$ off. The rear-end will sit in my bed until I have time to get it out since I will not allow my pregnent wife help me with this one. I can still work parts out of it as soon as I have time. Can't complain about being busy due to needing the funds but these people can have their water main breaks at a decent hour so not to get me out of bed after working 14 hours.
Mark

There is a load cell dyno in Twinsburg

http://www.mustangdyne.com/Main/contacts.htm#offices

Twinsburg is ~ 12 South East of Cleveland, (just East of me) a bit of a drive for those Cincy folks. Columbus has something, you could look it up in the Great Lakes events & rallies..

Your shuuder may be drive-line related. Check your driveshafts.

Your shuuder may be drive-line related. Check your driveshafts.
Will this mainly show up when towing?
I also get the intermittent vibration while at a stop. The driveline would not explain the loss of get up and go when accelerating on the highway.
Just a thought and to be honest, I have no clue so if this is possible, I will check every possibility since I need to be able to tow and move on the highway.
Thanks,
Mark

I have a 2004.5 with lly and my truck will shudder a bit when i leave from a stop. I thought this was normal due to the weight of my fifth wheel.

This happens a bit more that that though. I origionally thought it may be the play in the ball hitch, but too much for that.
Mark