I have been hearing a clunking sound whenever I go from Drive to Reverse or Reverse to Drive that sounds like its coming from the front axle. It makes the noise when I first touch the brakes. I just replaced all the u-joints on the front axle and front driveshaftso I don't think its a bad u-joint. I did notice that I have a lot of play in the front driveshaft even after the new u-joints. Do I need to adjust something in the front axle? Backlash maybe? I think this is what is causing the clunk. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

If you have a double cardan joint up near the transfer case (two u joints mounted in a common "H" yoke), then your centering ball has probably gone bad. There are springs in there that break, plus the cup wears out. The drive shaft then wobbles when you put it in 4 wheel drive. It may also make a metal squealing or grinding noise. Sometimes you can grab the drive shaft up near that double cardan and shake it to check for wobble. You need a LOT of weight to jerk the shaft around enough to check that centering ball.

Did you replace 2 or 3 joints on the front shaft? If you have 3, then the centering ball had to be reinstalled when they were replaced. Any chance you lost a spring?

You may have slop in the t-case or the front pinion shaft as well. Those can be checked with the front drive shaft out, the truck running, and the t case in gear.

Good luck with your ride.

 

I just had the front driveshaft rebuilt by a driveshaft shop. They had to replace the ball you are speaking of. I was getting a horrible squeaking before and that why I had it rebuilt. I think my problem is probably in the front axle or the transfer case. If I put the truck in 4wd and leave it running and try to move the shaft, if it is tight that means the transfer case is good. Right??? The clunking sound is coming from the front axle so my bet is that it may be caused by the pinion shaft. Any ideas?

Thanks for the advice DieselDemon.