vibration noise since new rear springs

[saum2]

Ok so the new 0-200kg springs are in but now there's vibration noise while highway running at 60kph, can't hear any noise above that speed. Any ideas? is it driveline issue due to the raised rear end?.....50mm ride high increase.

[Grant L1]

It will be the centre bearing, have a search here as there is lots of info about this problem. I have a spacers on mine to drop the centre bearing down, some have also installed wedges on the leaf springs to alter the angle of the diff flange, others turn the bearing housing upside down and some have modified their tail shafts using double cardan joints.

[saum2]

Ok, Centre bearing issue fixed but I still have a drumming noise at 60Kph. It seems to be transmission as it alters if I used Sport mode and downshift.
it seems to be 5th gear in auto and shudders a bit coming to a stop at traffic lights etc. Any ideas or just go to Ford and try to sort it.

[Grant L1]

Ford dealer maybe able to use update or reload the software and that may fix the problem. I hope it does, so all the best.

[SRD0060]

The harder rear shocks in the rear and depends on the rubbers used you may feel tyre and road vibration. Check your tyre pressures if they have been bumped up?

[saum2]

Just to follow up on this issue, Definitely transmission issue. Ford dealer found no issues but I realised they tested when cold. I found the same thing, when cold it won't drop in to top gear until warmed up. Only when it's warm and at 60kph and in top gear. I can hear it as soon as it shifts.
Maybe next service when it's hot I can take them for a drive.

[Trublu]

You should not be in top gear doing 60kph which will cause the engine to labour which also may cause vibration in your driveline, I find my ranger will sit between 4th & 5th gear at that speed.

[saum2]

Thanks Trublu, but when in auto it does what it does. The dealer didn't ask questions, just "no issues-goodbye"

[Trublu]

Thanks Trublu, but when in auto it does what it does. The dealer didn't ask questions, just "no issues-goodbye"

Well maybe your auto should be reprogrammed if you are getting top gear doing 60kph.

[saum2]

Well I'm not really sure it's top gear (6th) but it's a higher gear, it changes just on 60kph, it maybe 5th. I'll try it in S mode then I'll know which gear for sure.

[Trublu]

Well I'm not really sure it's top gear (6th) but it's a higher gear, it changes just on 60kph, it maybe 5th. I'll try it in S mode then I'll know which gear for sure.

When in sport mode it will be different gear compared to normal, just drive it normally and when it changes at 60kph then put it in sports mode then change gear up or down, you will then know for sure what gear it was in.

[saum2]

Ok Trublu it seems like 5th gear I get the noise at 60KPH. This is the gear it sits in while towing in S mode. Maybe it's had enough already.

[SRD0060]

A few things to ask your self;
Was the noise there before the suspension change?
If it wasn’t, its not the gearbox.
It’s the new suspension

[saum2]

A few things to ask your self;
Was the noise there before the suspension change?
If it wasn’t, its not the gearbox.
It’s the new suspension

Well, another thing to ask; if it's the suspension, why don't I hear it all the time up to 60kph instead of cutting in only in 5th at 60kph?

[Grant L1]

A few things to ask your self;
Was the noise there before the suspension change?
If it wasn’t, its not the gearbox.
It’s the new suspension

Well, another thing to ask; if it's the suspension, why don't I hear it all the time up to 60kph instead of cutting in only in 5th at 60kph?

The engine will be at low revs when it drops into 5th at 60kph and maybe sending a harmonic through the driveline, the drive angle change from the new springs would be part of it if this is the case. 2 degree wedges may fix this problem.

5 cyl engines are not well balanced and would have a counter balance shaft to try and remove vibration and harmonics.
I know when mine drops into a high gear at low revs it can be bit harsh.

[saum2]

A few things to ask your self;
Was the noise there before the suspension change?
If it wasn’t, its not the gearbox.
It’s the new suspension

Well, another thing to ask; if it's the suspension, why don't I hear it all the time up to 60kph instead of cutting in only in 5th at 60kph?

The engine will be at low revs when it drops into 5th at 60kph and maybe sending a harmonic through the driveline, the drive angle change from the new springs would be part of it if this is the case. 2 degree wedges may fix this problem.

5 cyl engines are not well balanced and would have a counter balance shaft to try and remove vibration and harmonics.
I know when mine drops into a high gear at low revs it can be bit harsh.

The centre bearing issue has been fixed since the rear suspension was fitted. BTW It raised the rear by 1"

[Grant L1]

I am not talking about the centre bearing drop, I am talking about the angle of the tail shaft being changed by wedges to roll the diff slightly and change the pinion angle.

Have a look here, plenty of reading. viewtopic.php?f=17&t=5109&hilit=gof

[saum2]

I am not talking about the centre bearing drop, I am talking about the angle of the tail shaft being changed by wedges to roll the diff slightly and change the pinion angle.

Have a look here, plenty of reading. viewtopic.php?f=17&t=5109&hilit=gof

Yes a good read. But, if 1" makes a difference either up or down when a load is placed in the back, the Ranger is not fit for purpose.

[Grant L1]

Well mine has been fit for purpose for the last 11years and I have replaced the suspension initially both front and back and then replaced that suspension because it was worn out both front and rear, that shows how much work the vehicle has done.
One thing I do know, is if I modify the vehicle the manufacturer won't cover warranty in the areas I have modified it in which includes in my case suspension, remapping, Egr bypassing, aftermarket trans cooler and fuel filtration.

I think it would be better trying to find the cause, because that is the only way it will be fixed.

Last post on this subject for me.