i have a 03 6-speed and when i take off from a start in 2 gear i notice a rattle coming from underneath. the rattle quickly go's away with acceleration. i have been told that the most likely issue is with one or more of my u-joints. does anyone have more info on this?


2003 QC 305/555 4x4 long bed

 

I get a little bit of timing rattle when the engine is loaded down and some gear rattle when taking off in 2nd gear. Does it rattle in 1st gear?

MikeyB

 

My 03 started to rattle when taking off in 2nd and had a little rough idle when i needed an injector replaced.

 

Have a two piece rear shaft? I had a dakota with a two piece shaft and the carrier bearing and mount were loose and would rattle under accleration like what you are describing. Granted I think our trucks have a bit more torque than a mighty 3.9 V6.

 

I forgot to mention that when i took mine to the dealer and told the service guy that it was rattling and i thought it was an injector he said that he thought it was a rear u-joint. In his defence he said he had'nt been a dodge tech too long and that he was a chevy d-max tech for 8 years.

 

thanks for the info. it does not do it in 1st gear. and the engine runs like a top.

 

if your u joints are tight and your steady bearing is good it might be driveline angle problems. There is a TSB out from dodge.