Noticeable clunk from the rear ONLYwhen shifting to reverse, normal or bad universal??

 

bad u-joint on driveshaft. mine does it too..i reckon its time to replace it? lol

 

I have the same clunk in reverse and sometimes in drive. I had it checked out and I was told it was my gears - too much play between ring and pinion. I am not worried about it at this time because I am having my gears changed out anyways. If the clunking persists after gear changeI will have it checked out further. Let us know what you find out.

 

Mine does that too and has done it for about 2 years and I have already replaced the whole rearend to include the rear axels and it still makes the clunk so I would guess that it probably is the u-joint, but it has been holding strong for a while.

 

There is a TSB on this problem
http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2000/21-01-00.htm

 

Only Rams it applies to are 1999/2000 V6's and 2000 V8's.

 

Yeah I have the same problem, but mine is a 97. I had the u joints replaced at a mechanic shop. Took it for a drive and noticed it still did it so went back and asked them about it and there response was just that there was alot of moving parts from the transmission to the rearend and its nothing I should worry about.

 

Don't cha just hate being talked down to ... like a driveshaft and differential are just SO complicated that you wouldn't understand them if they explained what the problem was?

From the FSM:

DRIVELINE SNAP
A snap or clunk noise when the vehicle is shifted into gear (or the clutch engaged), can be caused by:

- High engine idle speed.
- Transmission shift operation.
- Loose engine/transmission/transfer case mounts.
- Worn U-joints.
- Loose spring mounts.
- Loose pinion gear nut and yoke.
- Excessive ring gear backlash.
- Excessive side gear to case clearance.

The source of a snap or a clunk noise can be determined with the assistance of a helper. Raise the vehicle on a hoist with the wheels free to rotate. Instruct the helper to shift the transmission into gear. Listen for the noise, a mechanics stethoscope is helpful in isolating the source of a noise.

 

Yep, Trans. valve, check ball and plate were the bad guys. The ball had really beat up the plate causing a very bad seal.
Thanks to all you guys for your help and "RAMMER" sure helped out with the TSB info.

I feel better now, time for a beer!!!!

 

mine clunks but its nothing to do w/ u-joints. i replaced them last fall becuase they were shot. didn't affect the clunk any.