1996 LX450 transmission

[LX450BC]

Hello all,

Hoping to hear from some LX450 owners. Currently, I am feeling a slight shudder at 50-65 km/h at 1500-1900 rpm. Smooths out, then becomes prevalent at 80km/h or more.

Work that has been done recently. New torque converter, front axle rebuilt with new spindles and bearings, new 3-inch suspension lift from Dobbin’s and some parts from Delta vehicle systems. The transfer case has been rebuilt with new bearings—Cordan Drive shafts from Pats Driveline —and regeared to 488.

I feel when I drive at 80 km/h. It feels like I’m doing further damage to the vehicle, throwing the driveshafts out of balance, and I end up in this vicious cycle of having to get them fixed again. Currently, the transmission is shifting fine, but again feeling a shudder between 50 and 64 km/h, becoming more prevalent after 80 km/h. Has anybody experienced anything like this before, and what was your resolution?

Can anybody suggest a service centre here in BC that knows what they’re doing when it comes to finding this problem? I’ve had Pat’s gear shop test-drive the vehicle, and they said it doesn’t feel like the differentials. Pats Driveline also stated that they have no idea what it is.

 

[Batameez]

So from what I understand, due to the full-time 4WD, the driveshafts (or one?) need to be installed out of phase. I'd look into this in case technician error has a role.

 

[Dark Knight]

Did you do a double cardan front drive shaft when you lifted it? To test if this is the issue remove front drive shaft. Lock center diff and drive. If the vibration is gone, there’s the issue.

 

[reklund5]

Shudder ≠ Vibration. Which do you have?

A shudder is typically caused by slipping in the trans- either the torque converter clutch or one of the internal clutches.

A vibration can be anything from driveshafts to wheels/tires, loose body components, engine/trans mounts etc.

As suggested, lock the center diff and remove one driveshaft and see what you get. I’d bet you're fighting driveline vibrations.

 

[clx16]

Shuddering will be during acceleration or load. The vibration from a driveshaft at least for me was reverberationg at various speeds and was a fairly deep vibration. It also doesn't necessarily have to be a load. It can also cause the seals on the transfer case to leak while vibrating so you might see some moisture and need to top off the transfer case.

Also old hard tires (10 year old or so) can cause odd issues it can come from all 4 corners at the same time or some odd combination making it hard to find.

 

[CJF]

Hello all,

Hoping to hear from some LX450 owners. Currently, I am feeling a slight shudder at 50-65 km/h at 1500-1900 rpm. Smooths out, then becomes prevalent at 80km/h or more.

Work that has been done recently. New torque converter, front axle rebuilt with new spindles and bearings, new 3-inch suspension lift from Dobbin’s and some parts from Delta vehicle systems. The transfer case has been rebuilt with new bearings—Cordan Drive shafts from Pats Driveline —and regeared to 488.

I feel when I drive at 80 km/h. It feels like I’m doing further damage to the vehicle, throwing the driveshafts out of balance, and I end up in this vicious cycle of having to get them fixed again. Currently, the transmission is shifting fine, but again feeling a shudder between 50 and 64 km/h, becoming more prevalent after 80 km/h. Has anybody experienced anything like this before, and what was your resolution?

Can anybody suggest a service centre here in BC that knows what they’re doing when it comes to finding this problem? I’ve had Pat’s gear shop test-drive the vehicle, and they said it doesn’t feel like the differentials. Pats Driveline also stated that they have no idea what it is.

Why do you think it's the transmission?