4 Wheel Drive/SUVs: 1999 Chevy Truck, universal joints, chevy truck

Question
When my trucks shifts from 1st to 2nd gear it jerks. I have had the transmission serviced like I am supposed to. What could this be? How can I tell if it is the drive line or universal joint?

Answer
Elaine,

I don't know how many miles you have on the truck, but you may need to have a shift kit installed for smoother shifting.  I am assuming that you have an automatic transmission.

As far as the drive line goes, the universal joint is the part of the drive line that fails.  You can crawl under the truck, and wiggle/turn the drive line by hand and see if there appears to be some play in it.  There should be little or no movement in the drive line if the universal joints are good.

It wouldn't hurt to take the truck to a reputable transmission shop and have them check out the transmission and the universal joints.

Carl