Hello, I have a 2002 Ford Ranger 4x4 and when I stop, there is a little wabble to the truck (when stopped), like a downshift or something. It last for about 2 seconds literally, and thats it. No rough idle or problems. It shifts perfectly into gears. Not hard or anything like that, it only wabbles or shakes a little right when I stop. I know it sounds kind of weird but like I said, imagine like a minor wabble or shake, like its shifting back into gear or something. You can defintiely feel it though. What do you think this could be?
Thanks!
J

 

whatkind of shape are your drums in. mine were old and got slightly warped and i had this issue. check that out

 

Could just be that the front discs are warped
Heard this can happen if they get real hot or if they were replaced with cheaper makes

 

If this happens once stopped, the rotors or drums are not the problem

check the rear driveshaft slip shaft for any play, try to turn the two halves opposite of eachother with the transmission in neutral and the wheels blocked or ebrake on. If you can, there is a TSB kit that you can get fromt he dealership that has grease and a new boot for the driveshaft...if this is the case, let me know if the truck has a steel or aluminum rear driveshaft and i can get the part number, since the TSB has expired.

Inspect the rear u bolts and all the shock bushings as well, make sure the caliber cradle bolts (15mm) are tight

 

Thanks for the responses everyone, I really appreciate it.
Yes, it does it once stopped, it seems like its in the front area or something maybe automatic downshift related, or some gear related like when it shifts back into gear? Its like a shifting type feeling when stopped for 2 secs. I know it sounds weird, I'm trying to explain it as best as I can.
Sorry, I'm not mechanically incline but where would the driveshaft be located?
I can get under the truck since it stands higher..
Thanks again!
J

 

well you should not feel the transmission shift once you are stopped. it will downshift, but as you show down, there is a part called the one way clutch in the transmission that will over run so you do not feel the downshifts.

have someone rock the truck back and forth and see if you can duplicate the noise. The driveshaft is what connects the transmission to the rear axle, you may want to locate a fellow RF'er close to you that can assist. If you were by me id gladly look it over

 

is your A/C on? because sometimes mine jumps a bit when the compressor kicks on.

 

O.K.
I took it to Firestone, they test drove it and thought it was the drivetrain axle. They were going to replace the joints and bearings only to find out that they are nice and tight. They called me and said it could be a gear in the drivetrain.
Well, I took it to my uncle who is a ford mechanic. I should have taken it to him in the first place but I didn't want to bother him because he has been very busy. He said that the ford ranger is famous for the Drive bump. He said that the axle wasn't designed with the perfect pitch and as time goes, it dries up and because of the angle of the 4 wheel drive, it causes a little bump when the shaft goes back and forth into place. He has a 2001 ford ranger 4x4 and he says it does the same thing and the ford guys call it the drive bump. Dry Slip yoke which is a common problem on the 4x4 rangers. He said he can pull it and grease it but the problem will come back eventually..
Anyone else hear of this?
I hope I explained this the correct way!
Also, whats the sign that a gear would be going bad? I didn't ask him this question
Thanks alot!
J

 

this^^ the grease will fix it for a while. id recommend doing it

 

My truck did this for a bit till the drums got turned.

You can tell if its from warped brakes as the intensity and frequency lessens as you get closer to a stop, also you will feel it in the brake pedal. If you let off the brakes and it disappears than it is the brakes.

 

Just dropped it off at firestone to let them know, they printed out a message from ford.
They can get to it Monday. We'll see, I'll let you know, thanks guys!
J

 

BTW, I forgot to ask them but does anyone know if the '02 ranger has a steel, or aluminum shaft?
I apprecaite it!
J

 

i had that problem... it turned out to be the tires