284 5-speed shuddering on right turns

[crazyd]

I've got this weird side-to-side (lateral) thrashing/shuddering on acceleration in right turns. It's done the same thing with two transmissions. So far I've replaced both axles trying to solve it.

Most recently I thought I'd found the cause when I could move the inner tripod around on the driver's side. I installed an output support bearing in place of the driveshaft seal, but it had little effect. If you haven't seen one of these before, it's an ingenious device usually used to reinforce 282's that looks like this:



I've been planning to try installing one of these on the jackshaft side, but there's no inner tripod movement there so I don't expect much other than a split casing (these are pounded in with a sledgehammer). I'm not sure what else it could be, but the problem persists.

[jmgtp]

What prompted you to start with the tranmission/axles as the fault? The forces of lateral movement shouldn't be tranmisted to the transmission or axles but rather be absorbed by the hubs, ball joints, tie rods, rack, suspension, etc. For any of that movement to be tranmitted to the transmission that would mean something else is broken or worn and allowing the axles to be tugged/pushed. If your on the second transmission with the same problem that is also an indicator that the tranny is not at fault.

Are you trying to say that you believe the source of the shudder is origination in the tranmission and only on right turns? If so then that would be a different story but I don't see how that could happen, and the chances of 2 trannys having the same problem doesn't seem likely either.

[crazyd]

I looked at the transmission and axles as being at fault because they are among the only things that have reciprocating movement during a turn. If I coast through the right turn, I don't feel anything at all. It's only when I'm hard on the gas. That's why I don't believe it's anything in the suspension. Accelerating in left turns or straight is smooth. The transmission replacement was unrelated to this problem.

However, I have replaced other things from your list due to other issues, but not trying to troubleshoot this problem specifically. This includes:

- both front lower ball joints
- both front tie rod ends
- steering rack

The one thing you've pointed out that truly gives me pause is the hubs. I think that's a really strong possibility and about the only other thing that could cause this.

[OldSkoolGP]

I think what you might be feeling is wheel hop. If you're accelerating hard when you're turning, it's very possible you're taking all the load off the wheel. Have you tried replacing your struts and/or sway bar bushings? Also, what condition or your tires in? If any of those are worn out, that will induce wheel hop.

[crazyd]

Thanks for the suggestions Josh, but the sway bar bushings are fine and it's the same ZRi tires you've got, and they're practically brand new (~10k miles). It's definitely not wheel hop, it's not a traction issue...

[pocket-rocket]

What prompted you to start with the tranmission/axles as the fault? The forces of lateral movement shouldn't be tranmisted to the transmission or axles but rather be absorbed by the hubs, ball joints, tie rods, rack, suspension, etc. For any of that movement to be tranmitted to the transmission that would mean something else is broken or worn and allowing the axles to be tugged/pushed. If your on the second transmission with the same problem that is also an indicator that the tranny is not at fault.

Are you trying to say that you believe the source of the shudder is origination in the tranmission and only on right turns? If so then that would be a different story but I don't see how that could happen, and the chances of 2 trannys having the same problem doesn't seem likely either.

I'm going to agree with John on this one. Main reason being what he mentioned already, and getting on the gas in a corner is going to change suspension geometry on suspension parts that are worn. I will admit, the axle would have been one of the places I would have looked at too.

[OldSkoolGP]

If you're looking at causes internal to the transmission, you'd have to start with the diff. It is an open diff, but if something is worn out or broken in it, it may have difficulty turning independently of each wheel under load.

[crazyd]

I don't think it's anything in the transmission. For it to do the same thing with two different ones just seems like too much of a coincidence.