Front end shudder '96 T & C

My van shudders from about 40-55 when accelerating but not when
decelerating. Once over about 65, there is no shudder either way. I had
the axles replace a few months ago and it went away but I had them
inspected recently and 2 places say the axles are not the problem. One
place suggested having the wheels aligned. When I did, Pep Boys said one
side was 1" lower on the driver's side than the other one and that I need
springs and struts to solve the problem. I can see one of the struts
leaking slightly but the Chrysler place said nothing about them, tells me
that I need motor/transaxle mounts--$400. Does ANYONE have a CLUE what is
the problem?

TIA
John

 

When was the last time your transmission fluid was changed? Has it been

What you're describing sounds like torque convertor lockup clutch
shudder, which can be caused by either worn-out fluid or incorrect fluid
type.

 

I would second this suggestion.
Oh and avoid Pep Boys like the plaque (IMHO)

 

When I had the axles checked, I also had the trans fluid changed by a
reputable trans place....they have done several of my trans over the years
with no problems. However, I did NOT ask them which fluid they put in.
But since I had the alignment and fluid change it does not SEEM to shudder
as much as it did. However, if the fluid was the problem, why did changing
the axles fix it previously? I'm no mechanic but with such diverse
diagnoses of the problem,(motor/trans mounts, springs/struts, alignment,
bad fluid) WHO is right? I guess I need to call the trans place and see
what fluid they put in. Stay tuned....;-)

 

And by the way, before I had the trans fluid changed, I had put in some
Trans-X because in very cold climates (I travel extensively) the trans
would not shift without racing the engine. Once I put in Trans-X it
shifted fine...but my understanding is you can't leave it in very long or
it will mess up the seals. I don't have the shifting problem any more AND
the shuddering problem was there BEFORE and AFTER I put in Trans-X.

 

I drove it today. The shudder happens no matter what gear, so I think it
is NOT the clutch.

 

i don't think that the shudder is cause by the torque converter although
its possible. if replacing the axles fixed it the first time then you
probably had a bad parts. was it rebuilt parts? i would try replacing them
again still under warranty,

 

I also thot it was the axles but 2 places said it was not, including the
dealer. They were replaced somewhere in the midwest a few months ago.
Frankly don't remember where so no warrantee to speak of. I'll be home
again the end of March and will take it to someone that KNOWS....if that's
possible.

 

are you in michigan?

 

"are you in michigan?"

Nope, right now in Springfield MO. But I live in San Antonio.