J30 tripped out

[j30WAY]

The other day while driving the j30 started making some wierd noises near the gear selector. I didnt pay much attention to it. Then it became a louder ticking, then it ticked louder and louder, i parked the car, returned to it a few hours later.

When I put the car in drive, and wanted to accelerate, the whole car started shaking like crazy, and theres a very loud Tuck,tuck,tuck,tuck,tuck, sound coming from the shift knob. Almost sounds like a locomotor picking up speed. Also in drive when i gas it, the entire rear of the car starts shaking like crazy, like how when u drive on cobblestone.

Now when i run the car in park, or neutral, the engine is fine, in fact you barely even feel it running. I even revved it until 5500, and its working flawlessly. So i know its not coming from the engine.

This leaves transmission, or rear-end. I dunno if this is mechanical, or electronic in nature, or maybe something is broken.. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Regards, Mike

[driverdriver]

almost sounds like the driveshaft needs to be re-balanced.

Never had it happen to the J but did have it happen to a previous Dodge. Felt like I was driving on cobblestone all the time.

[yodawill2000]

J30's have U-Joints ?

Thats what my old chevy truck did right before the shaft dropped .. lolSpooky it was .

[elwesso]

Id check the driveshaft for sure...

Did this problem just start? if its as bad as you say it should be obvious whats going on by putting the car on a lift.

[j30WAY]

ya it just started like 2 days ago. As i also mentioned that ticking, clunking sound coming from around the shift knob, would that be from the drive shaft as well. I almost want to take my laptop downstairs and record thesound, if it'll be helpful in diagnosing the problem.

Also when i put her in reverse, the shaking is like 20% of what it is in drive. But still there nonetheless. So engine/transmission arent the problem huh?

And as far as driveshaft, am i going to replace the joints, or the entire driveshaft?

thanks again guys.

[Bugaboo]

As long as the drive shaft hasn't been damage or put out of balance, you can just do the u-joints.

Most likely the noise is coming in the car through the gear shifter because that is the only opening to the car from the driveshaft area.

You should be able to reach under the car and move the driveshaft. If there is mager movement you know your problem.

[j30WAY]

Thx everyone for your insight, Im curious what can cause it to fall outta balance??? Like maybe a broken engine mount, or transmission mount?

Also is the u-joint near the cup holder area, cause i hear it loudest approx right there.

I'll go reach in and shake the driveshaft as soon as i get home.

thanks again, you guys truely kick *** with all your help and knowledge