For a while now I've been hoping I just had a wheel out of balance, so I ignored the problem. Then today, traveling down the interstate at 75, I heard a clattering sound. I pulled over, kicked on all the wheels, looked around, saw nothing. I headed on my way since I was only a couple miles away, but it was clattering pretty good and it was in sync with the vibration. It was too hot to check the driveshaft, but thats my fear. I'll check it when I get back to the truck. Any thoughts or second opinions?

 

My guess is that your front prop shaft is worn at the double cardan joint.

STOP DRIVING THE TRUCK NOW.

Continuing to drive with the prop shaft in that condition will lead to it's failure. When it fails, it will knock a 4" hole into your transmission case. Don't let a $300 repair turn into a $3000 one, and stop driving the truck until you replace your front prop shaft.

 

Ok, I got back to the truck and checked the driveshaft. It had quite a bit of play in it, so driveshaft problems have been confirmed. My dad was with me and I explained out options. He opted for me to drive it 1.5 hrs (at 45mph, usually an hour drive) back to campus, then he would bring me a different vehicle to swap out in a couple days. He will have to drive the same distance back to our house where it will be parked until it can be fixed. I also explained what would happen if it grenaded while on my way back to campus or on his way home and I tried to talk him into trailering it home, but he said he would pay to fix it if it went. Oh well, I have been expunged of all responsibility. I've been wanting to drop a manual trans in it for a long time anyway.

 

It's not just the autobox at risk it can also 'shred' your transfer box as the front shaft is attached to it. Hope it's OK for that trip and nothing untoward happens en route. If your Dads got lots of dosh tell him I'm a willing recipient and not too proud as well

 

3 hours at highway speeds with that kind of play?

Might has well just call Paul Grant now and line up the replacement transmission and t-case now.

 

I've got an extra transmission and a transfer case from an '04 I've been meaning to get switched, I just haven't had the cash.

 

Haha, I wish my dad had cash to throw around. He just seems to think my more serious automotive warnings are less serious than I say despite being proven more knowledgeable than himself repeatedly.

 

Good luck!

 

I talked to my dad one last time trying to convince him to just trailer me our Mustang over here to campus and trailer Frank back home. I'm not sure what he's going to do, but he didn't say no. I'll find out this evening.

 

Activate the fuel cutoff valve and tell him you can't start the engine now it'll take him ages to 'clock' what you've done