I have a 2001 2500 V10. Theres is a small exhaust leak at the manifold and the muffler is on its way out. When I get on the free way and give it gas I get surges/shaking. When I ride at a constant speed its smooth as can be, but if I accelerate it comes back. I start to notice it around 50 and it comes and goes as I hit the gas.
So my question is can this be caused by the exhaust ? I have heard that the cat can cause problems if its back up.
I know its not in the suspension since I have changed everything in the front end including the tires. Also put new u joints on the rear drive shaft.

Any thoughts ?

 

Getting any engine codes?

 

I havent checked for a code yet. Dint even think to since the check engine light hasnt come on.

 

I woul check the routing of the spark plug wires, fuel pressure, and your cats. That's of course after the exhaust leak is fixed. Leaks before the oxygen sensors can make the vehicle run funny since it is screwing with the air/fuel ratio that the sensor sees.

 

How long has it been since the last tune up?

 

Had a new engine put in 2 years ago. And haven't tuned it up since. Just oil changes every 3k. The engine had 65k when installed and now has 80k. So about 20 k since last tune up.

 

Change the plugs. See what they look like. (yeah, I know, there's a bunch of 'em. )

 

will do that today. And Ive heard you can unplug the first sensor and see if the truck starts to run normal. I guess the only side effect is the CEL comes on ? Whats your thoughts on that ?

 

O2 sensor? You could try it. Eliminate another possibility. They usually show up as rough running or similar as the engine transitions into closed loop. If it is getting wrong readings, you may be running to lean, and the PCM doesn't know that. It just assumes all its sensor inputs are correct.

 

going to hook it up today for readings and see what I get. Then take it from there