Clunking into Drive

P

pineapple

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hi there, just bought at 98 4runner SR5 with 237 000 miles for 2200$.

the transmission makes a metallic CLUNK sound when i shift into D. not R or N.
i think it always makes it regardless of temps. havent tested up/down hills.

tranny fluid level is good, and color seems fine (though im replacing all the fluids next week)

anybody have any guesses as to what cuases this? i dont much mind it as long as its not an indicator of something bad coming down the road.

thanks!
 
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Mine clunks when going into drive while holding the brake, then clunk again while going into reverse if I continue to hold the brake. Mine is from excessive backlash in my rear differential.
 
my mechanic diagnosed it to VERY worn out driveshaft joints.
im told the whole assembly looked deplorable, its being replaced today.
 
Bad Luck said:
Mine clunks when going into drive while holding the brake, then clunk again while going into reverse if I continue to hold the brake. Mine is from excessive backlash in my rear differential.
Click to expand...

Backlash is very easy to adjust on these 3rd members if you're ever interested in doing it I can show you how. I guess tell you how since this is a website lol. (Unless you know already)
 
VernySanders said:
Backlash is very easy to adjust on these 3rd members if you're ever interested in doing it I can show you how. I guess tell you how since this is a website lol. (Unless you know already)
Click to expand...
Mine isn't all that bad since I adjusted my transmission line pressure down from where the PO had it. I rarely notice it unless I change directions without stopping first. Thanks for the offer but I'm just going to ignore it until I regear.
 
I also have a slight "clunk" when in forward. It doesn't do it when I shift from park into forward nor in reverse. I notice it when I take my foot off the gas at low speeds or coming to a stop. When I reapply gas it occasionally clunks. Was this similar to your experience? I'll inspect my drive shaft joints today and grease all the zerk fittings shown in Brian's link.

I'd love to hear if the replaced joints solved your problem...
 
Update on my clunk...

Greased the 8 zerk fittings on the drive shaft and the clunk is gone!!! I can't believe after 18 years of owning this car the low speed transmission clunk is finally solved. My own fault for not greasing the zerks for 18 years.

This just goes to show that the dealerships really have no clue or just don't care unless they can make an easy buck. I brought this car to the dealership back in 2002-3 while the car was still under warranty to complain about the clunk thinking it was the transmission. They said it was perfectly normal.

They suck...you all rule!!! Thank you Brian for the awesome link and thank you Nelsonmd for some priceless info!

I do have a confession to make though... I didn't use moly grease. I already had Calcium Sulfonate grease in my gun, so I just used it. I hope this doesn't destroy the joints. It is also rated NLGI GC-LB #2. I've used it for years in my boat trailer axle hubs. I guess this will be an experiment.
 
Nice! Glad that worked for you. My issue is the same as op’s except Its a groan not a clunk. Hopefully putting some grease In my fittings solves my problem too.
 
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