Topic: drivetrain vibration question

[BoMXtreme]

I have recently started experiencing a lot of drivetrain vibration in my 82 toyota pickup.  At first (before the vibration started) I would hear a clicking/pinging/rattling sound when I would coast to a stop, especially in between 40-0 mph.  The rattling sounds like a loose piece of metal.  So anyway, I was driving home tonight and when I accelerated (under load) there was a bad vibration that started up, and the rattling sound got worse.  I pulled over to check u-joints and the driveshaft, but didn't see anything.  The flange at the end of the t-case seemed a little loose so i pulled the driveshaft and tightened the flange nut, but it didn't seem loose at all.  I was able to nurse it home very slowly, but still can't figure out what is wrong.  I would like to have an idea before I start tearing into everything.  So to sum it up, my question is what could it be???  Anything else you guys should maybe know:  I put 4.88 gearing in the diffs and the truck has about 5 in of suspension lift, running chevy's in the rear.  I also have a mini locker in the rear.  The pinion angle seems to be good, and I did the gears about 6 months ago.  The driveshaft doesn't have any visible damage on it, just some small scraped and a tiny bit of rust.  If you have any more questions or answers, my email is jmocando@aol.com.  Thanks a lot everyone.

[brainlessfool]

Well if the transfer case end is good, and the pinon end is good?  jack it up take the drive line off and check the feel of the rear end.   alxe bearing? got to be some thing simple.

[BoMXtreme [OP]]

alright, ill check that out.  the flange on the t-case still does feel a little loose though, even with the flange nut all the way down, but i will check rear end

[brainlessfool]

alright, ill check that out.  the flange on the t-case still does feel a little loose though, even with the flange nut all the way down, but i will check rear end

 I think that nut has to be put to 90 lbs to be right.

[BoMXtreme [OP]]

thanks man

[BUBBA]

Sounds to me like a broken pinion gear.I would jack it up and support it and run it and see if you can pinpoint the noise.Possibly could have a broken mini spool also.

[germ]

I'd also change out your U-joints, as these are a common cause of vibration. Sounds kinda silly, but also check your U-bolts on the springs. I had an old blazer, that they came loose on, and caused a wierd vibration that i couldn't find until I'd tore the entire driveline appart. Can cause the axle to wrap some, which will change your pinion angle and can cause early death to other parts.

Good luck
Erik

[Willy Mammoth]

I found this and think it has some good info, not sure if it will help, but thought this would be a good place to post it.

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Driveline-101.shtml#Introduction

[BoMXtreme [OP]]

its been a while since i was out of town.  i jacked it up and ran it and the u joints seem to be the problem.  i also found that one of my u bolts is missing the nut so that could also be a problem.  thanks for your help guys.