96 vibration issue??

i own a 96 ranger 2wd 2.3l with 225,000 miles on it and counting. the front wheel bearings have been replaced as well as the ball joints and shocks. recently noticed a vibration while driving in 2nd and 3rd gear and sometimes going highway speeds. the tires are balanced and have the correct air pressure in them. it only seems to occur when my foot is on the gas and will stop when coasting. i,m stumped on what could be troubling my truck. any suggestions?

I gather you got stick shift. Does this happen while pressing on the clutch pedal (disengaged) as well as with your foot off (engaged). Sounds like your clutch is slipping at high gear. But if you got an auto tranny, the above prognosis is not applicable.

have you checked the u-joints?

I would say check the lower and upper ball joints, mines only a 2000 and i had to replace them already and it stoped the shaking viberating. If your u-joint is bad it will also viberate but usualy makes a squeeking noise

thank you for the suggestions, the ball joints were replaced less than a year ago and it is an automatic. i will check the u-joints but how can you tell if they are bad?

When I check the u-joint i just grab it and give it a good shaking if there is no movement then it's good if theres a little slop then there shot. I had the drivers side go a few weeks ago and i just replaced both sides.Other people might chime in also on better way to see if there shot but that a good way that I do it, outside of just looking and knowing there shot.A also have a jeep wrangler that I use for mudding and I blow them u-joints up every year almost lol good luck!

I agree with freez401, but when you do it. jack the rear end up and put it on jackstands. never crawl underneath a truck with just the jack supporting it. And put the transmission in neutral. Whiler your done there put some grease in there, chances are that it hasn't been done it awhile. Another way is to drive slow in 1st. and then put it in reverse while still moving forward. If you hear a 'clunk' its probably a shot u-joint or two.

thanks freez401 and backerm i think what freez is talking about is if i had a 4wd there are usually u-joints on the front axle but i only have a 2wd and backerm i believe you are referring to the u-joints on the driveshaft?? i will try your suggestion though to see if thats the cause of the vibration its starting to drive me nuts

i must be losing my mind :screwy: I see now that you told me you had a 2WD ranger Duh....Sorry lol

:grinno:

ok checked the driving slow and putting it in reverse and it seemed smooth. i have to look at other options. would bad motor mounts cause a vibration/chatter like this or possibly bad rear wheel bearings or the rear end. like i said this is driving me nuts and ready to drive it off a cliff.lol

OK. You know it's not the engine as you've indicated that there is no vibration from your engine while in neutral or park. Next step is to properly and safely jack up your rear wheels, start the engine and go through various rpm. Check for vibration. Make sure you test both wheels as they turn one at a time. If no vibration, that eliminates u-joint, drive shaft, wheels, rear shocks. Now test drive the vehicle and if the problem is still there it has to be a front wheel and front end associated components. At 225K miles, other than personal satisfaction that you found the problem, I wouldn't spend too much money to correct it.

problem solved thanks for all your suggestions it was the u-joints on the driveshaft they were replaced and i,m smooth again 225k and counting