4x4 vibrations?

[visotzky]

When my hubs are locked both in 2wd and 4wd there is a vibration coming from the front, it increases with speed till about 40kph and smooths right out at higher speeds.I think that there is also a slight pull to the left. any idea's CV Joints?, Diff?
Cheers
Val

[Green1]

one thing to note... these vehicles are NOT designed to be used in 4wd on the road, there is no centre differential, so you can easilly damage your tires (and possibly the 4wd) if you drive much on road in 4wd (this could also be some of your vibration)

[EricN]

Ok so hubs have locked up but you are in 2wd still and it vibrates. First thing (easiest) to check is the front driveshaft (between transfercase and diff). Grab it and push it up and down in the middle, make sure there is no slop. If there is play in the middle, the splines on the driveshaft are worn. Then grab it at one end and lift it up down/side to side and grab on both sides of the ujoint and twist. If there is any play there, the ujoint will be worn. Now test the other joint. Failing that, too hard to explain anything else. Not likely to be a cv joint if you are just going straight but anything is possible.

[visotzky]

Thanks EricN I 'll do that as soon as the monsoon ends At least it is snowing up high

[byariver]

Hi folks, would like to pick your collective brains. Does anybody know if the uj's on the 4wd shaft (rear joint) are different to the 2wd ones. If so, does anyone have a part make and number for a replacement. Mine has excessive play and rust, and will need replacing before the winter 4wd use. Thanks.

[visotzky]

Ok I think it is both the splines and one u joint. Can these bits be replaced or do I need a new driveshaft? Any ideas on costs?

[EricN]

Replace the joint first. Mild play in the shaft probably won't cause much but a bad ujoint definately will. If it still vibrates then the slip yoke can be replaced. You need to find a driveshaft place. Try the joint, if you cant find a drive shaft place I will try and figure out the places I used to use.
Cost, ujoint- just bring the old one to a lordco or something they should be able to match it up. Try and get actual spicer joints. Probably cost around $30ish. Slip yoke, probably closer to $200, cant be sure. It has been a long time since I have had to get shafts built.

[visotzky]

Thanks, How hard of a job is it? I do some work but i ain't no mechanic, always have the instructions near by.

[Adrock]

the job is not difficult, but when I replaced my rear u join i had to take it to a shop (just the drive shaft, did the rest at home) because you need a special tool (some sort of press, can't remember what it was called, like a c clamp with pieces for pressing the joint together. Without mechanical knowledge i wouldn't suggest it and without the tool i believe it is possible but you can mess up the needle bearings easily because it requires some force to get it all in. Then of course comes the greaase fitting and pumping it full. This was all for the rear universal, don't know if its the same for others as im no mechanic myself.

[EricN]

It is an easy job if you know what you are doing. Easy job to screw up royally if you dont know what you are doing. All you need is snap ring pliers, a vice and a hammer (after the driveshaft is out). Where abouts do you live? If you have it out and have the parts I might be convinced to show you how.

[visotzky]

Thanks for the offer, but I'm gonna take it in to Japan auto, I've got a few things that need looking at that I think I should get an expert to look at it before winter sets in.