I have a fairly loud "clunk" when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse (automatic trans).
I've been told by various mechanics that this is:

1) Common in vans of this vintage because of a loose backlash setting in the
rear end.
2) Caused by improper setting of idle speed (too high).

I've had the trannie rebuilt at considerable expense but still have the shifting noise.
I'm going to set the idle speed by the book this weekend, but had to search out a hand-
held tach first. They just don't make those anymore.

By he way, I've checked the u-joints and there is no play at all.

Has anyone else on the forum had this problem? If so, I'd appreciate hearing from you.

 

Well if its not the u-joints or tranny. You might want to look at your transmission mount...just push up and down on the rear of the tranny, should move very little with a good mount... I'm not 100% sure on that van but, it might have a split-shaft design..If so check the carrier bearing in the center of drive shafts...easy & cheep fixes if so.......Also, is that correct? you joined up in 2007, with only one post???? Well, welcome back anyway....LOL

 

An '88 has the idle adjusted by the engine computer. Vacuum leaks can influence idle speeds.

My 9.25 rear axle makes a clunk shifting into third if I let off the throttle in 2nd.

It was rebuilt by a driveline shop and doesn't not have many miles. I Think it is common. google '9.25 clunk'

Check your u joints again, in neutral, with parking brake on tight.

 

Hadn't thought of the tranny mounts - will check.
Yep, joined in 2007 when I had a 1983 B150 - all manual with a slant 6 and the 4speed
OD manual tranny. Great van. Went into hospital for quite a while and had to sell the '83,
regrettably.

 

I realize the idle is computer controlled, but the factory shop manual has a procedure
for adjusting it manually after first disconnecting a couple of sensors.

Apparently this "9.25 clunk" is a well known problem with several Dodge models. I went
through 2 pages of Google links and the consensus seems to be to live with it unless it
gets really bad at which point a differential rebuild is called for.

Thanks for all replies.

 

If my rear end didn't clunk when I shift to reverse or drive I would be worried.
Think every rear drive Dodge I've ever owned clunked going into gear.

 

I would chock the wheels, shift into neutral, then get underneath and rock the driveshaft back and forth. If there seems to be a lot of movement of the differential pinion then the backlash is excessive. But if the pinion is tight I would be more suspect of the u-joints. They don't have to be worn a lot to make a large clunk noise.