1996 Dodge Ram truck shakes

Tiny
RANDYSPENCER
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 DODGE RAM
I have a 96' Dodge Ram 5.9L with automatic transmission, I did a complete tune up recently with new plugs, wires, rotor, distributor cap, oil change to synthetic, new catalytic converter, magna flow muffler and it ran excellent until last week when I did some heavy hauling and some pulling, afterwards I noticed the truck shook when put it into gear, and at 30-40 mph it vibrated a lot although it still had the power when I accelerated just didn't have the torque.
Monday, September 16th, 2013 AT 9:46 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
TY ANDERSON
  • MECHANIC
  • 719 POSTS
Are there any check engine light or service engine soon light on? If so what are the codes? Check the transmission fluid level and condition. What is it like? Check the drive shaft joints are both front and rear joints in good condition?
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Monday, September 16th, 2013 AT 10:11 PM
Tiny
RANDYSPENCER
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Check engine light not on, no codes, had recently replaced transmission filter new fluids, doesn't smell of any burnt or old oil, but haven't checked the drive line or universal joints yet, I'll definitely check those. What do you think about the torque converter and fly wheel? I bought this truck as is and it looks like the transmission has been replaced perhaps off of a van or jeep? How I tell?
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Monday, September 16th, 2013 AT 11:31 PM
Tiny
TY ANDERSON
  • MECHANIC
  • 719 POSTS
I'm not sure how to tell what vehicle the transmission came out of? Many models use the same transmission across the board (Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler ect.). Does the truck shake/vibrate at idle in park or neutral? Does is only shake/vibrate when the vehicle is in motion? Do you have access to a vacuum gauge to rule out the engine? I just want to make sure the engine is good because these transmissions have a long list of issues and that's probably why it was replaced?
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Wednesday, September 18th, 2013 AT 7:39 PM
Tiny
RANDYSPENCER
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Well I did another complete oil change with Castrol full synthetic oil and Fram tough guard oil filter, to my amaze the truck stopped shaking after driving for a full day. I think the sensors are so sensitive the truck knew when the oil is dirty and needs changing that the mechanical parts react to the slightest change in properties of the chemical components of the lubricants, now it is purring like a cat. However, upon my quest to track down the problem before the happy moment I went to Autozone to inquire about the universal joints that this particular truck used according to the vehicle specs. Like engine size, 2 wheel drive, etc. And he gave me the OEM recommended universal joint and I took it outside to match it up, the universal joint on the vehicle was smaller than the recommended part from the store. The autozone part measured 4 1/4" across the T and 3 3/4" on the
vehicles part, something does not jive, does that mean the transmission has been replaced with a smaller one?
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Wednesday, September 18th, 2013 AT 11:33 PM
Tiny
TY ANDERSON
  • MECHANIC
  • 719 POSTS
It don't think you have a smaller transmission but it could be possible to have different transmission options for that model year. It sound like you got a incorrect part or maybe a joint for the front drive line (just a guess) but anyway the part does not match.
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Tuesday, September 24th, 2013 AT 6:15 PM

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