Shuddering When Gas Pedal is Pressed

[CowboyBob]

My 2000 2 wheel drive 4runner just started shuddering with a low rumble today. It starts at about 20MPH and usually stops around 50MPH. The 4runner shakes with a low rumble (like I'm driving on the rumble strips on the shoulder of the road). As soon as I take my foot off the gas it stops. Then as soon as I give it the any gas the shuddering starts again. This only happens when my foot is on the gas.

If I coast, it stops and shifting into neutral it stops. This is likely not an engine miss or wheel balance issue. Anyone have any idea what this could be?

Thanks,
Bob

 

[RedSled]

Might be your u-joints.

 

[Acorn22]

Could be a fuel pump, I had a similar experience on my old Jeep where it would shudder like that

 

[SodiumFlouride]

Might want to check for pending misfire codes.

 

[CowboyBob]

Might be your u-joints.

You were right. It was the ball joints. No visible damage but when I remove the drive shaft, both of them were stiff and dragging.

Thanks,
Bob

 

[RedSled]

You were right. It was the ball joints. No visible damage but when I remove the drive shaft, both of them were stiff and dragging.

Thanks,
Bob

I believe you mean u- joints, but you may want to check the LBJ,s also ( lower ball joints ) as that can be a real problem.

 

[phattyduck]

You were right. It was the ball joints. No visible damage but when I remove the drive shaft, both of them were stiff and dragging.

Thanks,
Bob

If you still have a vibration after the u-joints are replaced, you'll need to replace the whole driveshaft. The 2WD shaft has a rubber coupler/joint that wears with time and causes vibrations in the 60-70mph range.

-Charlie