Hi i have a 2004 ford ranger xl with the 4 cyl and a 5 speed and when i accelerate at around 1500-2000 rpms the truck bumps roughly and the shifter jerks back and forth. The truck shakes quite violently while this is happening but it doesnt happen every time. The clutch feels fine when i take off, the truck shifts fine and the problem only happens at low rpms. there are no warning lights on whatsoever. I have no idea how to check the tranny fluid as there is no dipstick, but the rear differential has enough fluid and i just did an oil change about 400 miles ago. Please help!

 

Pull the "FILL" plug on the tranny and a little bit of fluid should drain out. Since you Never knew how to check it I'm assuming its never been changed, and after 8 years the tranny fluid definitely needs a change. But it actually sounds like your u joints are shot.

 

I was just going to mention that as well... check your u-joints out and make sure there's no play in them.

 

check u joints, or bearing on driveshaft

 

it doesnt bump every time like it would with a u joint, and the whining only happens when im on the gas. I bought the truck used last year and am sure the previous owner has changed it, but im at 86k so ill change it bc its due at 90k anyway

 

I have a super cab,there is a bearing under the cab that went bad.the noise sounded like a u joint going bad. The outcome was 1 the bearing & 2 u joints. do you have expandable drive shaft. grease everything check all fluids