Hello...new member. Recently got my 2001 TJ. 116k miles, 60th Anniversary edition. 4.0 inline 6, Auto trans. No lift (that I can tell). 31" tires.
When I got it a few weeks back, it had a shudder when accelerating...specifically when it shifted from 1st to 2nd. If I accelerate gently, it wont happen, but if I give it even a little extra as it passes through those RPMs, it shakes. Once past that, it's fine...no shudders from 2nd into 3rd...smooth driving.
Based on research from this site, I figured it was the transmission mount, so I ordered one from RockAuto (DEA/MARMON RIDE CONTROL A2882 #52058551, 52058551AB- (Standard Replacement- OEM Replacement).
Did the swap today...not too tough a job with the right tools. The old mount, while not in horrible shape, was pretty soft and the metal rod down the center was bent.
As I replaced the skid plate, it was very hard to get it back up touching the frame to put in the bolts. I had to use scissor jacks on both sides to get it up close enough. I attributed that to the new mount being more stiff than the old one. Once I got them tight, I took it for a ride.
First thing I noticed was a vibration at idle that had not been there before. And the shudder is still there.
First question: I've seen some skid plates with spacers. I don't have any, but I also don't have a lift as far as I can tell. Here's the rear spring:
Is there a better way to know if I have a lift? I know that sounds idiotic, but this is my first jeep.
If I dont have a lift, would spacers help? I saw some 1/2 ones. It seems like when I tightened up the skid plate this time it lifted the tranny a bit more than it was before. I could just get some heavy duty washers and add about 1/4 space to see if that helps. Open to input from the members here.
What would be my next thing to check? U-Joints? Whats the best way to test them. They seem tight when I grab the transaxle and try to twist, but I'm not really sure what I'm looking for.
Thank you in advance for your help and insights.
Scott
When I got it a few weeks back, it had a shudder when accelerating...specifically when it shifted from 1st to 2nd. If I accelerate gently, it wont happen, but if I give it even a little extra as it passes through those RPMs, it shakes. Once past that, it's fine...no shudders from 2nd into 3rd...smooth driving.
Based on research from this site, I figured it was the transmission mount, so I ordered one from RockAuto (DEA/MARMON RIDE CONTROL A2882 #52058551, 52058551AB- (Standard Replacement- OEM Replacement).
Did the swap today...not too tough a job with the right tools. The old mount, while not in horrible shape, was pretty soft and the metal rod down the center was bent.
As I replaced the skid plate, it was very hard to get it back up touching the frame to put in the bolts. I had to use scissor jacks on both sides to get it up close enough. I attributed that to the new mount being more stiff than the old one. Once I got them tight, I took it for a ride.
First thing I noticed was a vibration at idle that had not been there before. And the shudder is still there.
First question: I've seen some skid plates with spacers. I don't have any, but I also don't have a lift as far as I can tell. Here's the rear spring:
Is there a better way to know if I have a lift? I know that sounds idiotic, but this is my first jeep.
If I dont have a lift, would spacers help? I saw some 1/2 ones. It seems like when I tightened up the skid plate this time it lifted the tranny a bit more than it was before. I could just get some heavy duty washers and add about 1/4 space to see if that helps. Open to input from the members here.
What would be my next thing to check? U-Joints? Whats the best way to test them. They seem tight when I grab the transaxle and try to twist, but I'm not really sure what I'm looking for.
Thank you in advance for your help and insights.
Scott