Gear shift moving during acceleration,

I have a 2001 RWD TRD with E-Locker, V6, AT. 95k miles. I am noticing during acceleration the gear shifter is moving or leaning back. This is something you can see while driving and feel by resting a hand on it. It hasnt come out of Drive ever. Sometimes on braking I will notice move slightly forward.

Not sure if this is related but at highway speeds 67-75, the truck ride changes from smooth to really rough. The gear shifter, seats, steering wheel, all have significant vibration. Tires have been aligned, rotated, and balanced.

Any thoughts on either? My concern is that something major is "loose" but I have no mechanical experience with this truck. Owned it for about a year and have had this problem the entire time.

Thanks!

 

That is normal , I have an automatic and it does the same thing very slightly . There is allot of torque moving through the trans when you accelerate and when you release the gas peddle the torque dissipates from the transmission and or transmission and transfer case

 

The shifter "floats" so it's normal for it to move around while driving. The vibration might be your wheel bearings going bad though.

 

Thanks for the notes....96k miles and I have not changed them. Any recommendations?

 

This is not normal. I have a 4x4 with AT, and its smooth as silk in all speeds. I'd have your motor mounts and u-joints checked out.

 

+1

Also check the Carrier Bearing between the drive shafts.