Topic: Clunk on selecting D or R
in Forum: C3 Driveline Components

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i HAVE BEEN TOLD THIS IS NORMAL ON VETTE AUTO TRANS.
i HAVE HAD EVERY SINGLE BUSHING/ U JOINT, BEARINGS, REPLACED IN THE DRIVE TRAIN. RE-BUILT THE REAREND AND TRANSMISSION AND TRAILING ARMS AND STILL HAVE A CLUNK WHEN SHIFTING TO DRIVE.
[/QUOTE]A "clunk" should not be considered "normal"...common, yes...normal, no. If all of the bushings-u-joints, bearings, etc. have been replaced, and there is a clunk when putting into gear, you may have a trans wear issue. The center support on 350s (and 700s) can wear into the case, and cause a clunk on engagement. Again, not normal, but very common. It is more pronounced on 4wd vehicles.
It may take another 50,000 miles to really become a problem, but eventually, the case will get stripped out where the support fits.
So, you can consider this problem common, but it is not socially acceptably "normal"

Joel Adams
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Adam,
Thank you for the clarification.
I respect your input.
although I have had the t400 completely re-built I am going to bring it back to the tranny shop and have them check it out.
Bob



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[QUOTE=dwright]Just had the universals (4) replaced on the half shafts. No more clunking for me. [/QUOTE]
How big a job was that? easy enough for the DIYer? any tips...
Thanks for the tips, I have the same noise in my 77 vette jotto. Clunks mostly when the car is first started. gene
[/QUOTE]
I'd be checking engine mounts gs77vet. I had the same problem and found both rubber components to have parted company with the steel bits.
Thanks for the tips, I have the same noise in my 77 vette jotto. Clunks mostly when the car is first started. gene
[/QUOTE]
I'd be checking engine mounts gs77vet. I had the same problem and found both rubber components to have parted company with the steel bits.
[/QUOTE]
Agreed, if the noise is when the engine starts, it probably isn't in the drive train.
As for the degree of difficulty of replacing the U-joints, don't know. My mechanic took a couple of hours on a lift with all the proper tools and know-how, so it would have taken me a couple of days laying on my back on the garage floor, swearing about the dirt in my eyes and busted knuckles.
I'd rather spend my time driving it, knowing I won't have parts falling off when I floor it on Main St.




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I am not discounting the possible joint, bushing problems.
BUT, if all checks out good, check the idle speed. If it's too fast it will cause this when there are no other problems.