vibrations from ???

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LaGrasta
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vibrations from ???

Post by LaGrasta »

I drove the van about 40 miles round trip yesterday with visitors from out of state. It's always when I have passengers that I notice anything poor about the van. This time it was vibration problems.
The tires are 30k old. The IAS Edelbrock shocks are over 100k old, but show no signs of leaks or bounce. the steering parts are 160k old with the upper ball joints and idler arms recently replaced. Wheel bearing are fairly new as well.
Any suggestions on what it might be, how to check for it, etc? And no, I was lazy and have not done a search. Sorry.
1998 Astro, 246,000 miles

K&N air filter
TruCool trans cooler
2" Overland lift & 15" BFG Terrain, 3.73 gears
JET Performance SCU-2000 (Speed Control Unit)
Gabriel Ultra shocks, rear AirLift bags & sway bar
Draw-Tite Dual Port Hitch System, hitch-mounted bike rack (4), hitch-mounted cargo tray, Thule roof-mounted cargo box

astroturf
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Re: vibrations from ???

Post by astroturf »

U Joints ?
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loopie
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Re: vibrations from ???

Post by loopie »

If you have aftermarket shackles on the leaf springs...you probably had just the right amount of weight in the van that the pinion angle was "just so" and caused vibration that you don't notice otherwise.
That's one possibility anyways...
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1Gary
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Re: vibrations from ???

Post by 1Gary »

Could you please tell us where you think it is coming from??.Front,rear,left or right side??.That might help. :-k :-k
1979 Malibu drag race only car
1999 Sonoma 4.3 5 speed-Rufus
1989 Astro-Ole Yellar cancelled-still selling off parts
1985 Astro-shop van R.I.P. my friend
1994 Astro LT RWD W4.3 rod knock RIP
1982 Winnebago single rear wheel-Chevy 350 Scraped 1/28/13-broken dreams......


Rochester,NY
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LaGrasta
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Re: vibrations from ???

Post by LaGrasta »

I notice it at freeway speed. I sometimes think the freeway is uneven and therefore I feel the up and down rolling road, but after such a long drive, the entire road can't be like to blame. I'm wondering if the tires are wearing poorly and uneven and causing this vibration. I'll check the ujoints as suggested, but haven't heard any clanking or such. I also wonder if more "steering knuckles" needs replaced.
To add further fodder, I worked on a friends 2000 Jeep L6 4WD Grand Cherokee this past weekend. What a nice riding vehicle, tight turning radius and smooth ride (stock). Much better than my Astro! I hit speed bumps like they weren't even there. I already upgraded so much on my Astro, I wouldn't even know what to improve to reach the ride of the Jeep.
1998 Astro, 246,000 miles

K&N air filter
TruCool trans cooler
2" Overland lift & 15" BFG Terrain, 3.73 gears
JET Performance SCU-2000 (Speed Control Unit)
Gabriel Ultra shocks, rear AirLift bags & sway bar
Draw-Tite Dual Port Hitch System, hitch-mounted bike rack (4), hitch-mounted cargo tray, Thule roof-mounted cargo box
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LaGrasta
I sleep in my van
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Re: vibrations from ???

Post by LaGrasta »

bump
1998 Astro, 246,000 miles

K&N air filter
TruCool trans cooler
2" Overland lift & 15" BFG Terrain, 3.73 gears
JET Performance SCU-2000 (Speed Control Unit)
Gabriel Ultra shocks, rear AirLift bags & sway bar
Draw-Tite Dual Port Hitch System, hitch-mounted bike rack (4), hitch-mounted cargo tray, Thule roof-mounted cargo box

astroturf
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Re: vibrations from ???

Post by astroturf »

bump ??? What does that mean?

What have you done/checked?

Keep us posted on your progress.

Jim

PS If you really want your Van's ride to exceed that of the Jeep's... Pull the lift and big tires off, and get back to a Stock Configuration.
Just my opinion...
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LaGrasta
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Re: vibrations from ???

Post by LaGrasta »

I did an inspection this weekend; motor mounts, steering linkage, ujoints, shocks, etc. Everything looks great. I repacked my front wheel bearings too. Although I can't tell, maybe my wheels are off balance. My next trip is to the tire store to have them checked, maybe that's all it is. I hope so.
1998 Astro, 246,000 miles

K&N air filter
TruCool trans cooler
2" Overland lift & 15" BFG Terrain, 3.73 gears
JET Performance SCU-2000 (Speed Control Unit)
Gabriel Ultra shocks, rear AirLift bags & sway bar
Draw-Tite Dual Port Hitch System, hitch-mounted bike rack (4), hitch-mounted cargo tray, Thule roof-mounted cargo box
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