I have been having this problem for a couple months and am not quite sure what the root cause is. The transmission shifts fine during normal driving. But if I lift my foot off the gas and wait for 3 or more seconds then go back on the gas quickly there is a distinct jerk in the driveline. It feels almost like when you drive a stick and engage the clutch too fast after a gear shift. If I get back on the gas slowly then there is no issue. It seems to happen whether the truck is warm or cold. I've done the 60K service except for spark plugs. You help is appreciated.

Alan

 

it's normal.

 

Yes normal, you have a geared center differential plus a front and rear differential so there is a bit of slack in the driveline.

 

Thanks for your quick reply. I was a bit worried as I never noticed it before (I've had the truck since new). So it's just the driveline showing age? Given that I already have heavy oil in the diffs is there something relatively easy I can do to reduce the jerk?

 

Mine got more noticeable worse when I put the heavy gear oils in too. Change your driving style to be lighter on the gas after you lift your foot.

 

perhaps it gets worse with age, but a new truck would do it, too.

 

Yup I've adapted my driving style already. Of course I wanted to make sure I wasn't just masking a bigger problem. Thanks for all your help. Now I feel much better!

 

Can be normal and it can be a failing front drive shaft, have you had it rebuilt yet, if not do it real soon. You'll need 2 new u-joints with grease fittings and a centering ball.

 

Front drive shaft was rebuilt. Thanks for the heads up!

 

Then if the front output shaft is tight, what you are hearing is probably normal.