It could very well be the u-joints I had bad u-joints and the only time they would showthemsleves with the vibration type of symptom is at a low speed and then only when I was towing my boat. Then when checking them to see if they had play they did not move in fact when I had them changed the guy I had do it for didnt think they were bad until he took them off and discovered they were toasted.

Richard D.

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If it is the u-joints do you think it would do it every time you accelerate in a give situation, or could it come and go?

 

Could it possibly be a missfire?

 

Anything is possible of course but like I explained in my situation it would only happen when I towed my boat under normal load it did not do it. U-joints are funny things they get into certain positions and that is when the show themselves but then move another way and not show the signs of being worn, They are one of the oddest things to diagnos, As far as a misfire that will almost always trigger the CEL so I don't think that is the problem it sounds like driveline to me.

Richard D.

 

It won't always trigger a CEL. It took quite awhile for my CEL to come on with my old 4.6 when it was missfiring.

 

It does feel like a misfire, but is there any way to make sure it IS a misfire. Is it a timing issue?

 

On a sidenote: I am VERY thankfull for ALL of your help!!!! I can't believe we've got two pages on this thread. I've never done that before

I think this is an invaluable resource!!!

 

I agree 100%. My 4.6 auto would do the same thing under the similar conditions. While in OD at about 30-45 mph and 1000-1800 rpms. A slight incline or slight throttle application would send you a nice little surge or a jerk. For the longest time I thought it was in the tranny and so did a Ford tech. Before I had the tranny tore down I had it put on a anaylizer and found that the secondary ignition system or AKA plug wires were shot after about 22K miles (less than a year).

 

you'vre got a cop going oput or a bad plug...changed them yet?..when you go to pull them you'll see...mine would get this pop pop pop when accellerating..and the plugs were only 44k..and the wires were only about 14-16 k...did the dead and no more problem...have fun..you will

 

TexfordD, what do you mean by a "cop" going out??.....As far as the plugs, I changed them at about 30K miles with BOSCH Platinums. The plug wires have never been changed.

KYFordFreak: You're suggestion then would be to change the spark plug wires?? BTW, they've never been changed.

 

Yes my suggestion for the type of problem your having would be to start with the general maintence type items like the plugs and wires. IMHO get something... anything other than Bosch and use the boot grease.

What TexasfordD meant by "COP" is the Coil on Plug setup, where each individual plug has it's own coil. I'm 99% sure your 4.2 should still have the single coil pack setup with 6 spark plugs wires. If more than 60K I would do the plugs and wires anyways. Also do a duel filter change and run some Chevron Techron thru the tank. If you still have problems come back and ask us.

 

Defianlately change those plug wires and plugs as wel as the fuel filter. The fuel filter should be changed at about every 30k and the plug wires right in that same area plugs can last longer depending on what plugs you use go with some Autolite platinum plugs.

Richard D.

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Will do!!!! ASAP!!! Thanks a MILLION!

 

Last night I went ahead and changed the plugs and plug wires. I changed the plugs because I had the BOSCH Platinum's and I've heard they're terrible.

GOOD NEWS!!! It's driving like a DREAM!!! No more jerking around. Even at idle I can hardly feel the truck on. It's amazing how much smoother she's running!!!

I specifically tried to re-create the problem and no more.

I would like to send a sincere Thank You to everyone for their help!

 

Good to hear and gald we could help.

Richard D.

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