Pine Barron

Maybe its nothing, but now that I've beaten down all the simple problems on my f150, I guess I have to start looking at the more mechanically challenging ones. My 88 4.9 4x4 5spd gets a vibration that increases with rpms and with speed.

Got no codes, new wheel bearings, new tires, and the universal joints are tight. The rear has a little play in it, but my mechanic friend said its not bad for 143k (or 243k...who knows).

Also, my transmission seems to make a shhh kind of sound (like theres friction where there shouldn't be) moreso in 5th gear than any other gear.

Thoughts?

Just call me Sean

iTrader: (1)

Have you checked the fluid level? It takes Dextron ATF.

Pine Barron

It was pretty low on trans fluid, and what was in there looked like it probably wouldnt pass as transfluid anymore. Exactly 2 quarts came out but it took 4 (until it ran out the fill hole). Guess I should have checked that when I got the truck.

Anyway, The problem is a little better maybe some of the noise is just wear, but if the truck is in neutral it still makes the noise and when i move the shifter around (without putting it in gear) the noise changes.

Just call me Sean

iTrader: (1)

Does it make the noise with the clutch pedal pressed in, not pressed in, or both?

Pine Barron

both.

i think i have bad shifter bushings too, given that theres a lot of slop in the shifter.

Pine Barron

also, when im driving i can feel the vibration through the clutch pedal when i push it in slightly...more prevalent as speed increases. Then as I push it in farther the vibration goes away.

Midgeman

Just a thought. Have you checked your engine mounts? Could be engine movement.

Just call me Sean

iTrader: (1)

It could be the throwout bearing. I'm sure your shifter bushings are worn, most of them are.

JC316

+1 to the throwout bearing. Could be the pilot bearing as well, mine was pretty much shot. Check the fluid level in the transfer case? It could be low as well.

Pine Barron

Yeah I checked the transfer case about 8k miles ago when I got the truck and it was full and looked clean. I just figured the trans would be similar so I'd never checked it...I guess haste makes waste. Anyway the transfer case fluid level still looks good.

I had a bad throwout bearing in my hyundai one time but to me this sounds different. Either way, if one of those bearings are bad will it eat up my clutch or can I deal with it until it breaks? Any idea as to how hard it is to replace them? I have what I'd call "medium level driveway mechanic" skills. Is this something I should attempt alone on my own or take to a shop?