i'll be doing some checking and testing tomorrow, but towing my dad's snowmobile trailer today at 70mph resulted in shuddering pretty bad at around 70mph. i think it also happens unlocked, but not as bad (it was hard to tell). the converter clutch wasn't slipping like i can make it do...but shuddering of the clutch is a little different. below ~70mph everything was fine. btw, i dont' run locked in OD except above 70mph usually.<br><br>what my question is: has anyone had problems with shuddering and had it driveline related? my front tires are a little scalloped. could it be the track bar or something along those lines? possibly the tongue weight taking some pressure off the front end? (that's not a lot of tongue weight though...).<br><br>last night at 70mph empty the thing was fine coming down to NH. i'm gonna go out and check the fluid (breakdown maybe?) and drive it tomorrow to see it it happens unloaded. <br><br>any insite? (please, not auto tranny recommendations if that's what you think where the problems lies).<br><br>thanks,<br>Tom

 

98rammer:<br><br>Yes, I have experienced the &quot;shudder&quot; you have described!<br>It began to happen on my 96' when the truck had about<br>98,000 miles it. The transmission was still &quot;stock&quot; at that time with the exception of a &quot;Trans-Go Shift Kit.&quot; Initially, it would do it just a little bit when I was under a heavy load towing<br>my enclosed cargo racing trailer and the transmission shifted<br>into 4th gear (OD). As time went on, it steadily got worse<br>so much so that it began to do it when I was not towing.<br>Knowing that I had problems, I decided to rebuild it.<br><br>When the transmission was torn down, the damage was<br>pretty evident. The primary clutch packs were pretty well<br>glazed and worn. My stock torque converter was &quot;stained&quot;<br>blue from all the excess heat etc. Although it didn't leave<br>me on the side of the road, if I had waited much longer<br>it could have happened! <br><br>I would keep an eye on it! IMO, these stock Dodge<br>transmissions will only get worse once the &quot;shudder&quot;<br>starts.<br><br>Good luck!<br><br>--------<br>John_P

 

thanks john. looks like i wont be locking up the converter. man, it just happened out of the blue today, but i did slip it once for a split second when the tcc was trying to lock up due to some idiot coming onto the highway on the on ramp (i hate stupid drivers &gt; ). it's raining hard right now so i haven't checked the fluid yet, but i guess i'll back the power off to stock tomorrow.<br><br>i did a search a couple hours ago and found a lot (obviously). thought i doubt it, is there a slim chance that something in the drivetrain went?<br><br>Tom<br><br>btw, the shudder nearly shakes your teeth out of your head if you get the chance to feel it.

 

98rammer<br>I doubt that this is the problem, but since your front tires are cupped, you might try checking the lower ball joints (king pins?). <br>Also, I don't think avoiding lockup will help. Your tranny temps will be higher.<br> anything is worth trying!

 

Tom:<br><br>I forgot to tell you that on my 96' as the shudder got<br>worse it would also &quot;shake&quot; the entire truck until I<br>let off the throttle completely or eased up on the<br>accelerator somewhat.<br><br>------<br>John_P

 

Mine does the same thing at lower speeds when I am pulling a load. Mine is the tranny, but I am hoping to get more miles (and more money) under my belt before it gets too bad. If you check with the tranny shops that are well known on here you will get some straight answers.<br>Tom

 

[quote author=Smokey link=board=16;threadid=12897;start=0#122132 date=1049038423]<br>98rammer<br>Also, I don't think avoiding lockup will help. Your tranny temps will be higher.<br>[/quote]<br><br>true, i always let the truck idle in neutral...even if i'm sitting at a stop light for a while to help keep the temps down. i put the switch in because i didn't want the slip the lock up clutch with my extra power. btw, i did up the line pressures 3 turns which i'm sure has helped to preserve the tranny some more. i haven't driven it yet, but tonight i'll see what's up when i head back up to ME.<br><br>what about possibly throwing a tire weight?<br><br>Tom

 

update:
i haven't hit the highway yet (give me an hour), but i have gone for a short drive. the converter didn't shudder in 3rd locked and i did run it at 45mph lock in OD (light throttle as to obviously not slip it). no shudder. it looks like all the wheel weights are still attached (i helped/watched with putting the new tires on so i think i remember the # of weights per tire). i couldn't tell of any low speed vibration.

DRecu just got the same problem i have with the same tires (i got 8 and gave him 4). if the weather isn't too bad, i'll probably get underneath and check the u joints tomorrow and suspension. i'll find out more when i get to drive 70mph on the turnpike later on tonight...

i just find it weird how it happened out of the blue.

John...am i right by saying that your truck shuddered in 3rd gear locked too?

thanks,
Tom

 

alright, things wernt alright on the ride up to maine last night. no shudder and the lock up is fine. ??? ??? i'm gonna check some stuff later on today.

 

Tom:<br><br>Yes, mine shuddered in 3rd gear locked too, but that<br>was later as the clutches and TC got more worn.<br><br>I hope your trucks tranny IS O.K. and you don't have<br>the problems I did! <br><br>--------<br>John_P

 

that sounds like the same problem I've been having--shuddering as it goes into overdrive or shuddering as speed decreases pulling my boat up hills. It's been doing it for about a year and is just now starting to do it more often so I guess its about time for a rebuild.

 

harleydog:<br><br>Welcome to the website!<br><br>Yes, you are definitely seeing the &quot;symptons&quot; of a worn<br>out transmission! <br><br>--------<br>John_P