Topic: Unbelievable shaking while driving

[Tronflyer]

I recently bought an '81 Toyota 4X4 that I have problems with, and a limted idea of past problems.  The new problem started about two weeks ago.  While driving down the road, doing over 40mph and in fourth gear and letting off the gas, I get this vibration that starts and continues to get worse as I decelerate.  The shaking feels like its coming from the area where the transmission is and shkes the whole truck.  You can even see the steering column and steering wheel shake violently.  I went and changed out the U-joints today and also changed the seal on the transfer case that was leaking at the rear output.  I thought I had the problem licked but after 10 minutes of driving, the same problems came back.  Can anyone give me some ideas on where to look next without having to take it into a shop?  Thanks for the help.

Bill

[Prismo]

Check tie rod ends, wheel bearings & trunion bearings. Speed specific could also shocks or tire balance. I am sure others will think of more things to check.

[Willy Mammoth]

You said it gets worse as you slow down? Sounds like a rear diff problem, check the pinnion bearings in the rear see if there is any side to side movement. Also try removing the the drive shaft and driving it with the front end. I may shake as you speed up because the rear is coasting all the time.

[Prismo]

What  Willy said & check the rear wheel bearings also. You might have a combination of problems front & rear if you factor in the steering wheel shaking also.

[mr4x42u]

u-joints also will do this..with power applied there will sort of hold tight,,but when no power on the u-joit they can vibrate depending how loose they are..

[brainlessfool]

after you step on the brakes? if so check your front end. jack up one side at a time and look for any play when you try to shake the wheel up and down. grab the top and the bottom and shake. it should not have any play. if it do, well take the wheel off and check it out.

[mr4x42u]

do you have cross over or histeer..Just wondering if your arms may have come loose..

[AJ]

Hey man if its when you go to step on the brakes and it shakes your rotors are warped. Other than that it will be that your tires are out of balance. We get the same question everday at my shop. That is why you feel it in the steering wheel. It will also send the vibration through the front driveline into the tranny that is why you feel it there.

[brainlessfool]

If the rotors and worped you should feel a bumping in the brake pedel with your foot on the brakes too.

[Willy Mammoth]

While driving down the road, doing over 40mph and in fourth gear and letting off the gas, I get this vibration that starts and continues to get worse as I decelerate.  The shaking feels like its coming from the area where the transmission is and shkes the whole truck.

This is signs of a driveline problem. Most likley the pinnion or drive shaft.

[Tronflyer [OP]]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.  Figured out that both of my front tires (32X11.5) were out of balance.  Both were off by 2 ounces or more.  I never realized how bad that would shake the truck.  Thanks again for help.

Bill

[waldo1979]

I also have a 81' 4x4 with the same problem. Turns out that the steering box is worn out. Check the play in the steering wheel and if it's loose there is an adjustment screw in the steering box itself. In my case, the adjustment screw is 100% out so it's time for a new steering box. I'll probably pick one up from a junk yard or off the internet.

Also, tie-rod assembly has several joints which can fail. Check to see if they are loose/worn. I believe the replacement parts are like $60.

[Duffil]

***Hey man if its when you go to step on the brakes and it shakes your rotors are warped. Other than that it will be that your tires are out of balance. We get the same question everday at my shop. That is why you feel it in the steering wheel. It will also send the vibration through the front driveline into the tranny that is why you feel it there.***

Loose drag link can also cause this....if stock steering of course...