drivetrain "clunk" (5speed content)

B

beyond

New member
Lately ive noticed a "clunk/thud" in the drivetrain mostly after engaging the clutch and applying throttle.. But it will occur if just applying to much throttle too quick as well.

I live on a fairly steep long ridge side; so I usually coast down it while in neutral and when I come to the stop sign I place it in first and must be careful because said "clunk" will occur.

Laying underneath it with the t4r in gear, i can manually rotate the rear driveshaft about 30 degrees back and forth.

notes:
-t4r has 219000mi
-clutch is fairly worn, does not slip at all, but is tired.
-rear driveshaft u joints are old and need replacement, but i cant see them being the sole cause of the issue.

any suggestions??? thank you - collin

 
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In that driveshaft rotation are the yokes at each end turning as well, or just the actual driveshaft?

There will be some rotation that's normal due to backlash in the differential gears.

If you know that the ujoints need to be replaced, by all means replace them and see what the result is. There's no sense chasing an unknown cause when you have one for sure cause already identified.
 
That clunk could be the slop in the u-joints transferring back to the axle.

I'd look at those u-joints, then if it still persists, the rear axle.
 
Thanks to you both.

Yes i think the yokes are turning. I realize i shoulda changed the joints before writing the thread. I gotta get on them.

Lets say for the sake of argument that i fix the u joints and still have the clunking... is my next area of concern the diff?

Thanks again and happy holidays
 
I have to say that it is probably the driveshaft. I used to have the same clunk when coming to a stop when out of gear and when releasing the clutch in 1st gear when taking off. I heavily greased the inner zerk on the double cardan joint and it stopped, but yours sounds more severe...
 
I noticed when I did my 5speed swap that the manual transmission has a lot more play in the drivetrain than the auto which puts a good bit more stress on the driveshaft. My guess is your driveshaft is pretty worn out. The rear joint is not that hard to replace( did it a few weeks ago) but the front double is difficult. You can look around and try to find a used low milage one as it certainly will be easier than rebuilding the one you have
 
How much up and down movement are you getting from the shifter? Any chance it's just a worn out transmission mount? :wacko:

Nice 2002 too!
 
Make sure to get factory U-joints, else find a good used drive shaft.
How is the slip york? Do you feel any free-play in it too?
 
Great replies

Placed in neutral, both the cardan joint and slip yoke seem tight.. as do the u joints.

It appears that the slop is in either the rear diff or transfer case...

Thoughts???
 
beyond said:
Great replies

Placed in neutral, both the cardan joint and slip yoke seem tight.. as do the u joints.

It appears that the slop is in either the rear diff or transfer case...

Thoughts???
Click to expand...
my cardan joint didnt show any movement until the DS was off.
 
I second the driveshaft. I was having similar issues, and I have a 5-speed also. Turned out that one of the U-joints was nearly frozen..and it took taking it off to find that out.
 
I agree on pulling the driveshaft to check it. Its just eight nuts to remove and remember to mark both ends and the slip yoke before you start
 
Maybe today after the festivities die down, Ill pull the drive shaft.

Thanks everyone for the help.

Any tips on checking the cardon joint and u joints after I pull the DS?

Merry Xmas &/or Happy Holidays

-Collin
 
beyond said:
Maybe today after the festivities die down, Ill pull the drive shaft.

Thanks everyone for the help.

Any tips on checking the cardon joint and u joints after I pull the DS?

Merry Xmas &/or Happy Holidays

-Collin
Click to expand...

Mine is currently off the truck with the same problem. I didn't have much movement while on the truck, but I could move it about 1/4 inch side to side with it off. Also found a dead spot in the rear ujoints with it off. Dropping it off Monday to have a new shaft built.
 
I had a nasty clunk and rattling noise at steady speeds in my 85 truck with 380k. everything pointed to the u-joints but they were pretty tight still. then i thought it was transfer case... then my diff BLEW up... while out hunting down some steep trails. Got out in front wheel drive with winch. Anywho, check the driveshaft and if it keeps up maybe look at the diff. I could have saved my diff if I would have taken it out and had someone look it over. Also the noises i had, had been happening for about 10k miles. I thought just keep driving it till it blows up but that was probably the wrong way to do it lol. Good Luck
 
Interesting thread. I have that same clunk with my 5 speed. It feels like there is too much backlash in the diff but I can't tell what it is for sure. My rear u-joint was replaced a year and a half ago.
 
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