97 Ford has a clunk and vibration at 45-55 mph

[Tyler_214]

I recently Got a 97 Expedition, it is a XLT with 4X4 with about 175k miles, it has the 5.4L engine, the truck has good power and works well, the biggest issue is there seems to be a problem with the drivetrain is between 45-55 mph there is a vibration which I feel in the steering wheel and gas pedal. Then when I hit the Gas and the truck is under load (such as going up a hill) you hear and feel a clunk in the rear, I hooked up a scanner and there was no issues with the transmission, nor did it throw any codes. It shifts mostly smooth, except in Reverse there is also a jolt, I checked the U-joints along the back axle and they seemed solid, I also checked the Transmission fluid and that looks okay. any advice or guidance would be helpful!

 

[mcox9090]

The drive shaft u joints on the front shaft are notorious for blow outs on the front. Also the transfer case pinion gear bearing race wears and causes a clunk on slick roads when the AWD kicks in.

 

[02Sexpedition]

U joints are shot