Important: This procedure is intended to be used for vehicles where the following conditions
are met:
• Vehicle trim heights are within specification guidelines. • The vehicle exhibits no signs of aftermarket modifications that may affect
driveline working angles. • The vehicle exhibits no signs of accident damage which may affect the
position of the drive axle, or axles, the propeller shaft support bearing, if equipped,
or the transmission or transfer case, if equipped.
Drive axle wind-up may cause a launch shudder condition even when all of the driveline working angles are within specifications. Drive axle wind-up occurs when heavy torque during acceleration causes the pinion nose to pivot upward. Excessively worn or damaged axle mounting components and/or overloading or unevenly loading the vehicle may contribute to a launch shudder condition.
- For solid axles equipped with a leaf spring suspension, inspect the leaf springs, mount bushings, and mounting hardware for excessive wear or damage.
- For solid axles equipped with a non-leaf spring suspension, inspect the suspension links and link mounts and/or bushings for excessive wear or damage.
- For direct-mount axles, inspect any axle mount brackets for damage and inspect the axle mounts and/or bushings for excessive wear or damage.
- Inspect the structure to which the suspension attaches to ensure no deformities or damage exists.
- Inspect the propeller shaft support bearing assembly for damaged rubber components, worn bearings, and/or a deformed/cracked bracket.
- Inspect the propeller shaft support bearing assembly and mounting bracket, if equipped, for loose or missing shims. Reinstall correctly or replace any shims as necessary to ensure proper alignment of the support bearing assembly.
- Inspect the structure to which the support bearing assembly attaches to ensure no deformities or damage exists.
- Inspect any transmission or transfer case mount bracket or brackets for damage and inspect the mount or mounts for excessive wear, damage, and/or deformities.
- Inspect the structure to which the transmission or transfer case attaches to ensure no deformities or damage exists.
- Repair or replace parts as indicated by the inspections.
- If excessively worn or damaged parts were repaired or replaced, re-measure the driveline working angles and road test the vehicle to ensure proper operation of the driveline system.
