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I have an 82 Luv Diesel which just started shaking and shuddering really bad in Third and Fourth gear from about 35 mph on. I was actually on my way to have a mechanic check it out and about a third of the way there I turned around and took it home because I didn't think it would make it. Does anyone have any idea what would cause this to start pretty quickly?

Is it specific to the gears, or the speed? If you get it up to 35-40 in second, does it shake?

First thing I'd check is all the suspension ball joints, the lugs, and make sure the wheels are balanced.

If it's specific to the gears, time for a tranny swap/rebuild?

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1978 shortbed fleetside, th350, Fireball 231 Even Fire V6, Edelbrock 500CFM Performer with Edelbrock intake. Workin' Truck.

I don't think it's the tranny. I actually was thinking it had something to do with the motor.

have you been down a muddy road? I have had mud get inside the wheel, and throw it way out of balance. that reminds me of the movie "My cousin Vinny" You got mud in yer tires, how can mud get inside your tires...LOL

what is your location CHRIS, you might be close and someone might be able to hep.

Then does it happen in 1st and 2nd gear as well? is it like it's missing?

Try pulling one plug wire at a time and see if runs rougher or not for each one pulled. It should run rougher every time, if not then that cylinder is not firing correctly.

That's the simplest engine test to start with...

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1978 shortbed fleetside, th350, Fireball 231 Even Fire V6, Edelbrock 500CFM Performer with Edelbrock intake. Workin' Truck.

The motor is a diesel so he won't find any plug wires to pull.

Can you put the clutch in and try revving to get rid of the stuttering/shaking/shuddering while driving? Have you tried to see if it does it while motor is cold and hot? Could be clogged injectors or fuel related.

4th gear at 35 come on rev the motor a little and see if it runs better.How is the fuel filter,dose the motor start ok ie;start right up and run smooth(compression check)Don't short shift the truck as the motor don't like it.

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1978 pro street step/side 455Buick, 4sp,4.11s, 31/18.5s

Oh, Diesel... Doh!

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1978 shortbed fleetside, th350, Fireball 231 Even Fire V6, Edelbrock 500CFM Performer with Edelbrock intake. Workin' Truck.

It actually always starts a little rough with alot of smoke. Especially when it's cold. After a few minutes it's usually OK. The fuel filter could probably use replacing. The guy I got the truck from probably hadn't done much to it. The "Filter" light actually came on for a few minutes about a week ago and never came on again. Would a bad fuel filter make the truck run that bad?

Here's a silly thought, check the u-joints. My first 80 luv, couldn't do over 30 mph, in second or third. Guy I bought it from said the u-joints are new. So after having the front end checked, the engine mounts checked, etc. etc.. I reached down and there was so much play in the u-joints, I almost freaked. 6.95 and no more shakes.

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1980 Chevy Luv 4x4 Mikado
the "Ole Man from Spokane"

Thanks for the reply. I will check the U joints out. I am in Gibsonville, NC if there is anyone close by.

Thanks again.

yeah on my 80 4x4 luv I had the same problem around the same speed the whole driveshaft almost fell off cause all the bolts were loose on the back flange. hopefully thats all it is or a bad u-joint.

Here is one that might hurt believe it or not diesels need tune ups to and the older ones more so.Your engine is probably down on compression but i don't think thats your trouble,after you change the fuel filter and it will most likely run better you might want to think about getting the injectors and the pump rebuilt cause they do get wore and you will loose power and start smoking allot especially on start up comp. dose contribute to.Doing this tune up will help a whole lot but dose not come cheap but when done you will get better fuel milage and power.

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1978 pro street step/side 455Buick, 4sp,4.11s, 31/18.5s