What are the symptoms of driveshaft u joints going...

[cmdrpiffle]

Hey all, if anyone can shed some light on this...

02 TJ 6 cyl, manual trans.

Lately, starting out in 1st gear, I'm getting some stuttering/jumping type feel. It's not the engine. Feels like either the clutch isn't picking up, or possibly the driveshaft. It's about 50K miles, and I kinda doubt the clutch. It happens when starting out, with the wheels straight or turned. Seems to 'warm up' and lessen after it's been driven a bit.

I'm thinking the universals on the shaft, but I've never experienced that, so I'm really just talking out my butt.

Otherwise, my Jetta is up and running, so I'm looking for an excuse to put the Jeep on blocks and tear into it.

Thanks,

Mike

[Jerry Bransford]

Does your TJ have a suspension lift installed? If so, how tall is it and what did you do to alleviate the steepened driveshaft angles caused by the lift?

[JFM626]

I've had this happen on an other vehicle I once owned. It was the clutch chattering as I engaged it in first gear. Turned out that the transmission was leaking out the input shaft and some of the oil had gotten on the clutch facings. Replaced the input seal and clutch assembly, turned the flywheel and everything was back to normal.

[cmdrpiffle]

Jerry,

No suspension or body lift. Completely stock 'cept for 31" tires.

[hoosier724]

I'm having the same problem and was told that the clutch may be slipping. I have a 2" BB.

[scottcha]

Crawl under there and grab the rear drive shaft at the differential and see if it has any play.

[solarpower]

Grab your drive shaft as stated above, also try moving your trans around some. Tranny mounts going bad will more apparent in first gear when starting to move. This is not common, but it's sometimes easy to diagnose. Might also make sure your rear control arm bushings are not worn out. Probably best to get the rear axle up see if there is any "extra" movement, front to rear.

[cmdrpiffle]

Excellent everyone!

Thanks. I'll be under tomorrow after it dries up a bit. I let you know what I've found.

Mike

[Wooders]

As part of any maintenance routine inspecting the unis SHOULD be on the check list.
Usually the first sign of the uni wearing is the cap spinning in the yoke.
This can be seen as a shiny/wear ring around the edge of the cap. A good idea is to make the cap/yoke position with a permanent marker which will should any movement easily.

This applies for unis in the driveshafts and axle shafts.
And as i said really should be part of any proper routine inspection.