1985 Ramcharger, AT 318. Runs out fine, but its the "shoving" it into reverse and the "clunk" that bothers me. Not so bad going into drive. And it runs fine down the road. Is this a transmission mount or a rear end alignment issues with the gears?

 

Tranny mounts aren't bad to check. Pry up on the end of the tranny and see if the mount is seperated. If it is oil soaked with spongy rubber it would be a good time to change it. To check your rear end, block the tires and put the trans in neutral then see how much you can turn the axle pinion. Usually they have about 1/4 turn of slop. Varies quite a bit but if you can compare it to another Dodge it'll give you an idea. Can be your ujoints too. Shouldn't be ANY play in them.

Derek

 

If yours is the same as mine (9.25"), I have read that the characteristic reverse clunk is a sign that things in the rear end are getting loose, and maybe time for a rebuild. However, the author of the article also noted that it can live that way for years. I think it was a auburn differential install article.