Driveline - Launch Shudder With Heavy Loads
NO: 03-02-96GROUP: Rear Suspension
EFFECTIVE DATE: May 10, 1996
SUBJECT:
Shudder Pulling Away From Stop When Operated Near Maximum GVW Rating
MODELS:
1994 - 1996 (BR) Ram Trucks
NOTE:
THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO 2500 AND 3500 SERIES 4X2 REGULAR CAB VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TWO-PIECE PROPELLER SHAFTS AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS ONLY AND SUPERSEDES TSB 16-01-94 DATED OCT. 14, 1994 FOR THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES ONLY.
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
The vehicle may exhibit a driveline shudder while pulling away from a stop when operated near maximum GVW rating.
DISCUSSION:
Launch shudder may be due to undesirable driveline angles when the vehicle is used at or near its maximum GVW rating.
As the vehicle is loaded, the driveline angle will change. In the case of maximum GVW, the rear differential may rise above the rear propeller shaft center bearing when the vehicle is launched from a stop. The resulting driveline alignment could cause a shudder in the driveline.
NOTE:
REPLACEMENT OF THE TWO-PIECE DRIVELINE AND CENTER BEARING SUPPORT BRACKET WITH A SINGLE-PIECE PROPELLER SHAFT WILL ELIMINATE THE DRIVELINE SHUDDER AT ANY VEHICLE LOAD.
PARTS REQUIRED:
1 (AR) 52105322 Single-Piece Propeller Shaft, BR 2500 - 4X2 Standard Cab,
Eight Foot Box, 8800 GVW, with a 5.9L Gas Engine,
Automatic Transmission, and Dana 60 Axle
1 (AR) 52105320 Single-Piece Propeller Shaft, BR 2500 - 4X2 Standard Cab,
Eight Foot Box, 8800 GVW, with either a 5.9L (gas), 8.0L, or
5.9L Cummins Diesel Engine, Automatic Transmission, and
Dana 70 Axle
or
BR 3500 - 4X2 Standard Cab, Eight Foot Box, 10500 GVW,
with a 5.9L Gas Engine, Automatic Transmission, and
Dana 80 Axle
1 (AR) 52105321 Single-Piece Propeller Shaft, BR 3500 - 4X2 Standard Cab,
Eight Foot Box, 10500 GVW, with either an 8.0L or 5.9L
Cummins Diesel Engine, Automatic Transmission, and Dana
80 Axle
4 6034965 Universal Joint Strap Bolts
2 4428723 Universal Joint Straps
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
This bulletin involves replacing the two-piece propeller shaft with a single-piece propeller shaft.
1. Shift the transmission into neutral. Support and raise the vehicle on an appropriate vehicle lift.
2. Remove the universal joint strap bolts at the pinion shaft yoke.
3. Remove the bolts that attach the center bearing support bracket to the frame cross member (Figure 1).
4. Slide the slip yoke off the transmission output shaft and remove the propeller shaft.
5. Slide the slip yoke of the appropriate propeller shaft (specified in the Parts Required section of this bulletin) onto the transmission output shaft.
6. Position the universal joint bearing caps onto the rear pinion shaft yoke.
7. Install new universal joint straps (P/N 4428723) and universal joint strap bolts (P/N 6034965). Tighten the bolts to 29 Nm (22 ft. lbs) of torque.
8. Lower the vehicle.
POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
Labor Operation No: 16-30-01-95 0.3 Hrs.
FAILURE CODE: P8 - New Part