QuestionHey John, some buddies and i are getting heavily into DISCOs and hope to pick your brain often. The current problem is with a 97 w/127k, which begins to vibrate around 70mph. Problem does not diminish or get worse at higher speeds (up to 80). It gets very pronounced if the gas pedal is rapidly released, then smooths back out with reacceleration. The best way to discribe the vibration is like when you hit one of those "slow down" patches on a highway off ramp. The steering column is not excessively affected by the vibration. The tires were near new when we got it and balancing was our first attempt at a fix. There is slow leak in the right rear, however. The alignment and ride are great up to the speed i mentioned.
Another issue is not going into low, understand this may be a stuck linkage issue, what's best way to tackle DIY, or is this less hassle for the money at our local garage. Any possible connection with both problems? Thanks for being out there.
AnswerThe low range problem is probably a rust/corrosion issue in the linkage from lack of use.
The vibration - it could be many things -
1) Tire balance problems, despite your attempt to balance them our shop often finds improper balance
2) You could have a tight or failing CV joint
3) Look for loose bushings and tie rod ends
