Hey guys,

Finally have a couple weeks off from work soon, and I plan to tackle a few jobs on the '40 including a smoke test on the intake, lower front shock mounts, sway bar links, brakes at all 4 corners, and an oil change. If I have time, I would like to replace the front control arm bushings as well.

My main concern is a rear-end noise that developed from a "click" when reversing, to a full-on clunk when coming to a quick stop. A second clunk, exactly inverse of the first, is heard when accelerating from that stop. Under very heavy braking, I have also felt a few extra inches of forward travel that coincides with the clunk.

My first guess would be U-Joints. I am looking to order all my parts in the next couple days to have everything on hand. I feel a bit confident that the issue is U-joints, but are there any quick and dirty methods of checking before I order the parts? If it sounds like U-joints to you guys, how bad is the job? I did recently buy a ball joint press kit that will work on the U-joints and the lower shock mounts. It's been years since I've touched a U-joint, and that was just a basic driveshaft joint on my Bravada. These axle shafts are a bit different; I've never taken them out of the car before.

Any thoughts?

 

Check your transmission mount. That noise can be the trans jumping as it shifts. The cars drifting sounds a bit scary. Maybe look at the ..... ooooh.... control arm bearings there. I'm trying to imagine the car drifting without a brake problem.... I'm seeing the hubs twisting? Scary. Good luck there, I know you'll figure it out.

 

Hi Nick,

If you put the rear end up on jack stands, you can inspect the U-joints for any play. Rotating the wheels by hand may help reveal a loose joint.

Also inspect your rear wheel bearings and hub carrier fulcrum bearings.

Jerry's suggestion of the transmission/rear engine mount is good. Also check your driveshaft center bearing and the driveshaft flexible coupling.

Cheers,

Don