Just a note to let you know the latest in the saga of the Ghost shudder in first and second gear while towing a heavy fiver.
The dealer installed temporary shims over the carrier assembly about two weeks ago - - finally hooked up over the weekend to try it out. There is a drastic change. The shuddering is down about 60%, but the frequency of the shudder has doubled. Wierd.
I had it back yesterday to increase the amount of shimming and compare the difference. I will post the result when I hookup and check it out. We are definitely heading in the right direction.

LessShudderingBob

 

Thats good news, LessShudderingBob. I took mine to the dealer last year for the same symptoms, and they told me that it was the angle of the differential with a load on the truck. They could shim it, but then it might shudder all the time not loaded. Mine only does it in first and second gear, under hard acceleration. I will be watching for your results with interest.

Cat Cracker.

 

Exact problem mine had. I noticed a slight bit in the mountains on a really steep grade in third also. We took it about 1/4" or so and the change is quite dramatic. I could almost live with it right there. There is no change while empty. I have close to 1/2" in now. Hopefully it will be better yet. It made no difference empty even when I got on it a bit.
Bob

 

Thats wierd, 2 duallys with about the same specs as mine and I have never had the shuder at all. Or atleast I can make the clutch slip in 1st and 2nd before any shuder happens

I do once and a while feel a little bit of axle wrap going on when on soft ground, but that is another deal.

 

Mudder Man,
Note that Cat's is 4x4 like yours, mine is 2wd. I had only heard about it on the 2wd until Cat started meowing about his. Hope this additional shim takes care of it. I could live with it right now with the smaller shim, but might as well try and whip it.
LessShudderingBob

 

If it makes you feel better I did read in the service manual where is talks about a shudder on take off and the fix is to shim the carrier bearing down. So they are doing the right thing for you, it doesn't say how much or any good guidelines though, trial and error I guess.


P.S. you guys down their in the land of sun and traffic don't drive REAL trucks, just cars with really big trunks you can cut my left *** off before you get my 4x4

 

You don't understand. My 4x4 has wheels on it almost as high as I am and I am not short. Granny, low axle does about 2 mph at 2500 rpm, with all four bangers just singing along. 12 gears forward plus hi/lo axle. Crawls over tall buildings in a single grunt. It carries us thru the glades for hunting. Now, when I hit the highway, I am ready for comfort, man. Enough of that 4 wheelin stuff - - that is for the glades.
That new IS front end sure does drive nice though. And the ride is sure different than the old truck. Pretty nice for a truck.

2WheelerBob

 

I'd like to see that babied rig of yours and how it would stutter, shutter, tremble and cry up here this time of year.

 

Got news for you, big boy. You ain't seein' that babied rig nor this baby up your way until May. NO WAY, JOSE.

ChickyBob

 

"What's the matter Colonel Sanders, CHICKEN?"

Cat Cracker.

 

Been there, done that - - for too many years. NO WAY, JOSE. I'll just let Scotty shovel that drive, brave those storms, wipe his nose, warm his frozen toes, thaw out his engine, put on his block warmer, put on his chains, etc etc etc. While I play golf, go fishing, swim in the pool, go camping in the fiver, scuba dive, wander down to Boca Grande Pass in the boat and hang out a few days catching snook and tarpon. Now, you can call that "Chicken" if you want to - - - I call it pretty smart. (the snow sure was pretty, though)

ColonelBob

 

You win.

 

 

Just returned from a trip after the additional shims were put under the carrier assembly. It is now at 1/2". The shuddering is worse - - almost as bad as with nothing. So, we have obviously gone the wrong way - - it was much better at 7/16". Wow, amazing how an 1/8 or 1/16 of an inch can make that much difference.

They are making up a permanent plate at 3/8". Keep tuned for further developments.

ShhhhhuuddderrrrriinnngBob

 

just looking for an update on this...anyone get their problems fixed?
mine has started shuddering on take off in 2nd gear with no load. shudders up to about 15-1600 rpms.


truck is an '03 ho, 6spd, 4x4,QC,LB