Hello i'm new to the forum. So please bear with me haha.
Ok so i bought the truck used its an 05 FX4 4.0 with 56,000 miles on in. The truck seems to have slack of some sort, when in gear i give it gas and it moves but it feels like something is "catching" up.? Second gear feels like a hard shift compaired to the rest. Then when i stop at a light it feels as if againg the drive train is moveing a bit foreward after i stop.? If i am hard on the gas pedal or brake pedal it doesn't seem to do it, or all the time for that matter. Is this normal?????? i have a warranty for the driveline i'd like to use it before its up if its an actual issue.
I've done research and decided its either the tranny, the torque converter, and or the rear end. Possibly the lsd clutch pack locking and unlocking funny. It is due for the tranny and rear end fluid to be changed also. Thanks for reading any advice will be appreciated!!!!!

 

Ok wow I guess I expected someone to know, or at least have a little input.. Hmm ok not even a dumb reply...

 

Its the rear end back lash. Carl rebuilt his and it still has play just normal I guess. Check u-joints?

 

Change your tranny and axle fluids first. Check the u-joints, and measure the gear backlash in the axle. Also check your torque converter stall rpm, by holding the brake with your left foot, and pressing on the the throttle and see what rpms the engine is brought to before overcoming the brakes to move, only do this for a few seconds though cause it does create a lot of heat. Obviously do this on back roads with no traffic and anyone to hit.

 

ok so i did some more searching and talked to a knowledgeable person at ford. The guy at ford thought it may be a grease issue in the slip yoke?? searched it seemed to be a common issue on 99s. a few newer thats what i saw and heard. thanks fellas ill have them check the backlash because im in a neckbrace and can do much yet.
I planned on doing the trans, transfer case, rear and front end fluid once i get the ok from the doctor. but ill have the Ford dealer confirm the issue and get my dealer to fix it first before i do something.
I once was told if its not broke dont fix it, also dont throw parts at something that hasnt been dignosised.
Thanks again guys ill report back later today and after i go to ford!!!

 

Oh by the way what should the "normal" stall limit rpms be???

 

I agree with greasing the slip yoke. This is something I am getting ready to do. My transmission is a manual but get the type of phenomenon you are describing.

 

I can't remember correctly, but 2500-2800 rpm should be reasonable. I would check with a shop repair manual though.

 

thanks fellas ford greased up the slip joint and whoa what a difference so much smoother!!!!! they claim that the teflon grease should be good for the life unless i tow or put lots of in and out stress on it. so im going to get the j duffy traction bars and put it to rest along with changing all my fuilds.

 

Yeah slip yoke is likely culprit time and time after time.

My truck had horrendous slack and various other clunks and thunks when I bought it but greasing the slip joint eliminated all of it completely. It is truly amazing how much havok it wrecks.

I've drilled and tapped a hole for a zerk on mine so I can grease it at will. Ford's crap doesn't last worth a ****.

 

The rear springs are crap, they use the same 2wd springs on the 4wd trucks with blocks. It just amplifies the wrap, at some point the slip yoke will start making noise.


My advice is the James Duff traction bars for your 28 spline 8.8.

 

cool i will be buying the bars in the next week or two.

 

You will need to trim the Duff brackets to get them to fit.

 

Welcome to the world of rangers lol.

My manual is the same way and is just not enjoyable to drive IMO. Now our 06 dodge 3500 with a 6 speed is such a joy to drive, but your talking about a MUCH more expensive setup and much stronger.

Ive even contiplated switching my manual out to an auto IF I did end up keep the truck.

Basically like the others have suggested, greasing the slip yoke is usually about the best thing you can do but even for me it never seems to last a long time. Just not a very good design but it is what it is.

Goodluck

 

Yep I hate how my manual trans feels too. It feels like I'm driving and old diesel sometimes. Hard to get into gear. Drive line clunks from time to time what taking off from a start. etc etc. I hate it. When it is being nice it is very nice to drive. Love my truck still. Just makes me sad. :-(

 

I hear ya, I wish mine was an auto. I have to many vehicles that are manual and for this as my DD id rather it be auto but the money I would have to spend to switch to auto wouldn't be worth it.

 

Yea no point in switching it. Especially mine. I love my twin stick. :-D lol So ehhhh I can deal with it. It doesn't bother me to the extreme so it's whatever I guess. lol

 

Would new leaf springs help along with J duff traction bars