clunking sound when changing gears

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Jan 14, 2026 | 12:03 AM

ford1988xlt

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4wd Low

Joined: Dec 2025

Posts: 11

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clunking sound when changing gears

hi my 1988 f150 i recently started getting a kinda clunky sound dropping when i shift gears, what do you guys think it is? it's running great but it makes that noise and i worry about the transmission

Jan 14, 2026 | 12:14 AM

85e150

Super Moderator

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 34,499

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Check your drive shaft and u-joints.

Check engine and trans mounts.

Check clutch master mounting on firewall. Look for rust, cracks, loose master.

Check fluid in transmission, watch for metal in oil.

Jan 14, 2026 | 01:25 AM

rwfid

Mountain Pass

Joined: Feb 2017

Posts: 182

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From: Kentucky

Is the noise actually happening when shifting or when the clutch is being compressed or released?

Jan 14, 2026 | 10:10 AM

My4Fordtrucks

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Joined: Jun 2015

Posts: 12,837

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Need a little help here…..Auto? Manual? What transmission? Shifting while driving or between park, drive and reverse?

The clunk/ bang in the Bronco (5.0/ E4OD) when shifting between drive and reverse was solved with a new rear driveshaft.

Last edited by My4Fordtrucks; Jan 14, 2026 at 10:24 AM.