I have a 2003 Dakota Quad Cab with 4.7 V8, AWD and 4 wheel Antilock disc brakes. My problem is that I sometimes get a moderate to loud clunk sound in the rear, often followed by a metallic squeal while it feels like a wheel is locking or binding up. This only happens when I am in reverse. Most of the time I am turning the wheel and backing down my inclined driveway, but it has also occasionally happened while on level surface. I had a mechanic look at it and he replaced the rear sway kit and a steering lock-stop. No help. I recently replaced the rear brake pads, also with no help. Thanks in advance for any help!

 

An automatic trans I assume

I would say its in the trans or U-joint or differential but I bet its in the trans.

You say you checked the brakes as that would be my first option

 

I had something very similar with my Dakota. It ended up being a missing bolt at the top of the caliper. When I went forward the spinning of the rotor kept the brake pads in place, but in reverse the rotation of the rotor would slide the brake pad assembly back, pivoting on the lower bolt. It would push it back far enough to grind on the inside of the wheel. Only reason I found it was due to the marks left on inner wheel by brake assembly.

 

Transmission is definitely not what I want to hear! Differential is something I've wondered about though. I know all the caliper pins are there, as I just did the rears.