grinding, vibrations and a clunk! Help needed!

[rupesmcd]

Hi,
I have had my surf for 3 months now I guess: 1995, 2nd gen, 3.0td, manual, 87k miles. It has been pretty 'rumbly' pretty much from the day we got it, you can feel vibrations through the centre of the vehicle when you get up to around 35/40 mph, it varies dependant on speed, and can sometimes be very violent! I believe the vibrations got worse after i had used 4wd for the first time (1st day we had it)- we live on a very steep lane, with pot holes and we have been using the 4wd to get up- in both ratios (only about a 1/4 mile or so). It engages and disengages as i would expect with an audible 'clunk' but no light on the dash (i guess the bulbs gone, because it definitely engages).
The tyres are ropey- all different makes/treads and all pretty close to the legal limit. Also the service history is patchy and i cant find a 4wd specific service receipt anywhere- greasing props/bearings etc.
Now, this week things have become worse- there is now persistent grinding/knocking coming from the rear of the vehicle, accompanied by a 'clunk' each time you engage a gear (gears and clutch all seem to be working as normal). This is in addition to the rumbling/vibration that was already there. Oh dear. What's going on?! Has my rear diff had it? Is the drivetrain entirely shot? Or does it just need a proper service? Help and/or advice f=gratefully received!
Any advice on this?

[Hazzo]

Unless its icy/wet or very slippy do not engage 4WD on the road, you will break it.

Regarding your vibrations etc I'd give it a good service and get the propshafts, UJ's, and all rolling gear checked out, either yourself or a good garage. These trucks are pretty smooth if in good nick so I'd start with this lot to prevent further damage.

Any parts required can be sourced from members here who break trucks which have usually blown heads. H

[sv1000spilot]

Vibration from rear prob worn / stiff UJ on prop. Check for any movement, roll slightly forward and check again with UJ in different position.

Where in Devon are you?

[rupesmcd]

Thanks guys. I'm near Newton Abbot. Who do you use to service your surf sv1000spilot? The truck is beached at my Mums on the top of Haldon, I'm going to get it at the weekend hopefully and deposit it to my mechanic. I'm going to get him to do a full service including the 4wd bits and check the UJ and prop etc. We had to deploy the 4wd to even get up our lane- it is very steep and more or less entirely pot holes for the stretch in question. We need new tyres! I think it would be fine going up and down there with some grabbers on it.

[sv1000spilot]

Most of my work is done by Supersurf in Plymouth, also Victoria Garage in Ivybridge are reliable.

Supersurf can also do you a good deal on tyres & supplies second hand spares.

[rupesmcd]

Hi,
Thanks again for your replies. The truck has now visited my mechanic and needs a new prop-shaft (3 inches of play apparently!!). I am going to try and source one through this site. It is having oil and filters, cambelt and grease underneath, that and the replacement prop and it'll be an entirely different beast.

[Albannach]

Hi,
Thanks again for your replies. The truck has now visited my mechanic and needs a new prop-shaft (3 inches of play apparently!!). I am going to try and source one through this site. It is having oil and filters, cambelt and grease underneath, that and the replacement prop and it'll be an entirely different beast.

So long as you stop using 4wd on your lane, you'll eventually bugger it up (no centre diff) if you continue use it on non slippery surfaces.

[stormforce]

Just so you don't get the wrong prop shaft the manual and auto surf's prop shafts are different lengths so make sure you ask before you part with your money

[sv1000spilot]

Or change the UJ's.....

[rupesmcd]

Different prop and UJ's, all greased, oil/air/fuel filters and cambelt...oh and new wiper blades. Goes like thunder now and super smooth, no rumbles!