2003 Tacoma shifting back feeling when accelerating from stop.

Hi, I have a 2003 Tacoma that when I’m at a light or even sometimes slowing down to a light I feel something shift forward a bit or backwards underneath the truck. I know that my Ujoints have a slight bit of play and will be replacing those but don’t think that could cause such a shift feeling. It’s quite significant. Can’t find this anywhere else.

At this point I accelerate slower at a light as I know the knock/shift feeling is coming.

Thanks in advance.

 

Check that your (assumed still present lol) spare tire is pulled up tight.

Also, keep a thought about when it happens - is your gas tank less than full? I think most have some baffles in them to help keep the gas sloshing around under control. I don't know how robust the 1st gen may be compared to the later ones. I had same year as yours for a decade and can't say I remember the sloshing, but may not have paid attention back then. Try filling your tank up and notice if there's any difference right off.

If you actually ever hear something clunking, and you tire is tight, then that's different. I got no more mojo for that haha. Good luck!


ETA: Maybe check motor mounts too? Not sure the rust state yours is in. They could get a loose feel for you?

 

Ive been having a similar experience with my van. Only accelerating from a stop. Its like I have a bowling ball in a storage tote and I can feel it shift around when I take off. It's been years, never figured it out.

 

Possibility that the slip joint in the driveshaft needs lube. As you accelerate and decelerate the rear axle rotates a little, the driveshaft has to increase and decrease in length via this slip joint.

 

Ya I had it in a Jeep a few years back and couldn’t figure it out either.

 

THIS