I have an 02 Dakota with the 3.9 and the 5 speed manual. This recently started happening after I bought the truck used about a month ago. When I release the clutch, especially in reverse and even more so when I release it quickly, it feels like the whole front end shifts to the side then clunks pretty loud, feels like the front end lifts up and drops down. I suspected motor mounts (transmission mount looked brand new) of course but there were no other signs of them being bad, the motor did not shift when I gave gas and I had my buddy look to see if it moved when I rolled back and forth, releasing the clutch quickly in 1st and reverse and it did not move. I also suspected bad U joints in the driveshafts but there was no play in the joints in either of them at all and there were no sounds or vibrations while driving. I am worried that there is something wrong with either my rear end or front end as in differential. It does this in and out of 4 wheel. But I’m still not sure any help would be appreciated!

 

Do you feel it thru the steering, or the seat?

 

I can feel it more in the seat

 

Probably coming from the rear then.... Make sure everything back there is tight, and bushings aren't blown out. Also, check for slop in the driveshaft. Truck isn't in 4 wheel drive is it? (really bad on the drivetrain on high traction surfaces, like roads.....)

Probably wouldn't hurt to jack it up, and shake things.... (both ends) See if anything obvious presents itself.

 

Will do, and I never have it in 4 wheel on the road of course. I’m hoping it’s not anything driveline related and that it’s a mounting issue.