SOLVED!-Mid frequency vibration during acceleration

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LXMarksTheSpot

LXMarksTheSpot

SILVER Star
Joined
Mar 2, 2025
Threads
12
Messages
225
Location
Vacaville, Ca
I just had an Ironman foam cell pro suspension lift installed along with Dobinsons UCA, FN wheels, and Falken Wildpeak 285/70/r17 tires.

I am experiencing a mid-high frequency vibration during acceleration and slightly during coasting. It occurrs between 55-70 mph, and between 2000-2400 rpms. It almost disappeares if I let off the gas pedal completely. It is slightly lessened in a turn on freeways. Outside of these ranges it is smooth. However it is less smooth at the top range of these values.

I do not feel it in my steering wheel at all and turning is smooth. As it should be because it’s a new OEM steering rack and power steering pump.

I don’t want to jump to conclusions but I’m leaning towards my front driveshaft. I’m thinking about dropping the drive shaft and inspecting it but I’m not sure what to look for.

Any pushes in the right direction are always appreciated.
 
Definitely check driveshafts first. Remove each one and test drive. After that it's a long list. And don't take this the wrong way but driveline vibration might have the most threads on this forum. Dig around for a few hours in your spare time and let it all ruminate. You got this !
 
LXMarksTheSpot said:
Thank you! From what I’m reading, in order to test without the front drive shaft I need to remove the hub flanges and also drive with the CDL on.
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No need to remove the flanges you can just drive with the CDL on and front driveshaft off.

Gears will spin with the wheels there will just be no power input from the t case.
You only need to remove flanges if the differential is messed up.
 
I got the front drive shaft off. Odd thing when I started it for the first time after removing the shaft the check engine light came on. It seemed to drive fine. When I went to plug in my code reader the light went away. I have the CDL on and I’m on my way to test it at highway speed.
 
I got up to 65. No front end vibration. I felt the rear vibration very very slightly but I’m going to attribute that to the rear shaft working all on its own.

So moving forward I’m going to
Put in new joints, then take it to a driveline shop to make sure it’s balanced properly.

Edit:
IMG_6793.webp


I’m looking at a classic case of no grease in this drive shaft. And if the shaft hasn’t been greased then the spider joints haven’t either.
 
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LXMarksTheSpot said:
I got up to 65. No front end vibration. I felt the rear vibration very very slightly but I’m going to attribute that to the rear shaft working all on its own.

So moving forward I’m going to
Put in new joints, then take it to a driveline shop to make sure it’s balanced properly.

Edit:
View attachment 4039947

I’m looking at a classic case of no grease in this drive shaft. And if the shaft hasn’t been greased then the spider joints haven’t either.
Click to expand...
Nice work! Make sure to remove the zerk after you pump that slip yoke with grease. It's easy to overfill those and the pressure can blow out the rear of the slip yoke. Happened to me after I followed the mainstream info of greasing until I see the shaft move a tiny bit and calling it good. That method is good just remove the fitting to release pressure and reinstall after a drive or two.
 
FamilyCamper said:
Nice work! Make sure to remove the zerk after you pump that slip yoke with grease. It's easy to overfill those and the pressure can blow out the rear of the slip yoke. Happened to me after I followed the mainstream info of greasing until I see the shaft move a tiny bit and calling it good. That method is good just remove the fitting to release pressure and reinstall after a drive or two.
Click to expand...
Do you think the vibration can be caused by the lack of grease? There is rotational play between the front shaft and the spline drive shaft tube and I’m wondering if grease will help?
 
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LXMarksTheSpot said:
Do you think the vibration can be caused by the lack of grease? There is rotational play between the front shaft and the drive shaft tube and I’m wondering if grease will help?
Click to expand...
Don't have enough expertise to say but I think it could help. Definitely can't hurt to try that first and replace joints later.
 
I just dropped it off at Driveline Services of San Leandro. They had two OEM u joints laying around that I’m buying for $50. So that’s a steal. So it’s going to be tested for balance and then have new u joints.
 
Somewhat related for finding noises. I have an old original Steelman Chassis Ear that I bought 10 years ago that works. I don't use it often but it has saved me some amount of money over the years finding strange noises. The new model has wireless microphones to keep from running cables under the vehicle. This works good if I get someone else to drive while I listed and switch between finder locations.

1764608869668.webp
 
I am kind of at a loss here. Driveline services of San Leandro say that the new Toyota u joints I ordered will not fit my driveline. They were VIN matched from Bell Lexus. Here is the part number:

04371-60060

Here is the link:


What do you think gives? Do I have an aftermarket driveline?

The other bad part is that they tossed my old u-joints after they pressed them out. So now we can't compare the new to the old.

Do I have them build a new driveshaft or do I track down a used and cross my fingers?
 
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Okay. Driveline services were going to make a driveshaft for $600. I made the decision to buy a new one at $380 and I can pick it up tomorrow morning. I found a used one at $150 in Sacramento. Figured I should buy new and warrantied part.

I might return the u-joints I bought or I might replace the rear drive shaft u-joints with these new ones that do not fit the front.

Trying to get this thing squared away. I have a 3 day trip in Mojave in mid January.
 
LXMarksTheSpot said:
Do you think the vibration can be caused by the lack of grease? There is rotational play between the front shaft and the spline drive shaft tube and I’m wondering if grease will help?
Click to expand...
Yes!
This is an integral part of ownership of these vehicles. They must be greased at least every oil change for the best ride Ime.
 
baltistyle said:
Yes!
This is an integral part of ownership of these vehicles. They must be greased at least every oil change for the best ride Ime.
Click to expand...
I got my new driveline. There is zero rotational play in this thing. While I was there, i had them look up the part number I ordered from Bell Lexus. Looks like the u joint in the front shaft are different than the back shaft and the label on Bell Lexus is a little misleading. I ordered the u joints for the rear shaft.

Now that I have a brand new front shaft I feel good. New shaft, new joints, new grease. I might try and replace the rear u joints on my own this weekend. I have a press in the garage that should make it a little easier.

I have the part number for the front u joints and I will post these here later.
 
LXMarksTheSpot said:
I got my new driveline. There is zero rotational play in this thing. While I was there, i had them look up the part number I ordered from Bell Lexus. Looks like the u joint in the front shaft are different than the back shaft and the label on Bell Lexus is a little misleading. I ordered the u joints for the rear shaft.

Now that I have a brand new front shaft I feel good. New shaft, new joints, new grease. I might try and replace the rear u joints on my own this weekend. I have a press in the garage that should make it a little easier.

I have the part number for the front u joints and I will post these here later.
Click to expand...
Yes, definitely post part numbers for the joints. And keep all those new parts lubed up and they should be good for a couple hundred thousand miles.
 
New front driveline is in. The vibration is still present but less now. Occurs under acceleration after 64 mph and on. Goes away when coasting speed. Returns when I start accelerating.

IMG_6861.webp


I’m going to grease the rear driveline shaft. I’m also going to check the front wheel bearings for play.
 
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