[05moparfreek]

i have a very loud clunk noise when putting in gear. and gets louder when i go from reverse into drive. also while driving you can here it untill about 40mph. im thinking its the u joints. but i did notice when i was watching it that when it was put into frive the rear pinion moves alot with the clunck. the u joints dont have play in them and dont move when putting into gear. has anyone had problems with the ring and pinion?

 

[05moparfreek]

any ideas?

 

[rdefayette]

any ideas?

If you think it's in the rear diff 1st check the oil level. If it's low it could be the cause of the problem. Gear wear.
Get the rear wheels off of the ground, truck in neutral turn the driveshaft slowly in both directions and check for backlash. Sould be very little.
More than (hard to describe) 1/16-1/8" rotational from one direction to the other before engaging the ring gear pull the diff cover. If you have to do that check for garbage in the gear oil.
Also just because the u-joints LOOK good don't assume they are.
Look for rust coming out from around the u-joint cups, if you see rust it's dried out and getting ready to take a hike.
They also have a tendancy to fry up and bind making a banging noise also.
When my joints went out they'd do the same thing as yours and go from good to bad in a matter of days.
If the joints are the problem do yourself a favor and replace all 3.

 

[rpage]

jack it up and check it.your think right