Trans "clunks" when shifting to reverse
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New User
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Trans "clunks" when shifting to reverse
I just picked up a 1995 F250 4x4 351W. It runs and drives great, transmission seems incredibly solid while driving, however, when i go put it in reverse, I come to a complete stop and there is a little bit of a delay from when i move the shifter to "r" and then it "clunks" and lurches backwards as it pops into gear. This makes me a bit nervous. I am hoping that its something that just needs an adjustment. any help would be appreciated!
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Gatineau, Quebec
Is it only when you put it in reverse?
Are you sure it is the transmission?
Sounds like it may be U-joints. I would crawl underneath and check out the U-joints. Take your time and make sure you check each one carefully.(there are 3)
I could be wrong, but badly worn U-joints will make a really loud clunking when you shift between gears and is cheaper to fix than a transmission.
Are you sure it is the transmission?
Sounds like it may be U-joints. I would crawl underneath and check out the U-joints. Take your time and make sure you check each one carefully.(there are 3)
I could be wrong, but badly worn U-joints will make a really loud clunking when you shift between gears and is cheaper to fix than a transmission.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
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From: Ohio
My tranny reacts the same basic way. Not real quick to respond to F or R changes in shifter. Not bad, but just takes a moment.
I'd agree on the Ujoints. Put it in neutral(with wheels chocked) and carefully wiggle each joint in both directions. Likely you'll find one that's loose and that will be your clunk.
Hows the rearend? That too will clunk as you changed directions, especially with alot of miles on it. Have someone stand outside the truck and listen as you perform a test. That will usually narrow the search.
I'd agree on the Ujoints. Put it in neutral(with wheels chocked) and carefully wiggle each joint in both directions. Likely you'll find one that's loose and that will be your clunk.
Hows the rearend? That too will clunk as you changed directions, especially with alot of miles on it. Have someone stand outside the truck and listen as you perform a test. That will usually narrow the search.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 223
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From: Kaukauna, WI
Dittos on the U joints and Freightrain's method of checking them. Words of wisdom. If one Ujoint is bad, change all 3. One bad one will take the others out in the process. Most of the labor is taking the drive shaft out. Saves the headache of doing the others when they go too.
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thanks for the quick responses guys! I have to take the truck to my mechanic to have a State Inspection done anyway, so I will have him check and replace them while he has it.
It only does it from forward to reverse changes, going from reverse to drive doesnt seem to be a problem, and doing from park to drive is fine as well. the truck has 124k on it for those wondering.
It only does it from forward to reverse changes, going from reverse to drive doesnt seem to be a problem, and doing from park to drive is fine as well. the truck has 124k on it for those wondering.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: DFW Metromess, TX.
. I had my mechanic check it, seemed fine to him. I talked to the Ford Service writer at my dealership where I bought it new in 94. He said front u-joint. Sure enough, took it off and one side of one joint was bad. I replaced both the front and the rear u-joints
.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Trenton, MI
If it not u joint then check mount on engine or transmission.
Have ride in 94 F250 351w with bad engine mount when change F to R or R to F you would feel BANG that everybody stare what that noise.
My friend's 01 F250 I have notice same thing when change F to R then wait few sec sudden bang it in reverse sometime it won't then little tap on pedal sudden loud bang. Since it plow truck so it worn out. It was not U joint it was rear axle are loose. It have 100,000 miles now.
Have ride in 94 F250 351w with bad engine mount when change F to R or R to F you would feel BANG that everybody stare what that noise.
My friend's 01 F250 I have notice same thing when change F to R then wait few sec sudden bang it in reverse sometime it won't then little tap on pedal sudden loud bang. Since it plow truck so it worn out. It was not U joint it was rear axle are loose. It have 100,000 miles now.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,333
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Mine has done this since it was brand spankin new.
My clunking is the transfer case tolerences.
The delay, I think, is just the nature of the beast.
Some other things that it could be are:
bad rear axle gearset tolerance
slip yolk at tranny tolerence is excessive
motor or trans mounts are sloppy
transfer case output shaft (internally) needs to be shimmed out to reduce end play
I always look underneath with someone else rocking back and forth between F & R to help locate the drivetrain slop.
My clunking is the transfer case tolerences.
The delay, I think, is just the nature of the beast.
Some other things that it could be are:
bad rear axle gearset tolerance
slip yolk at tranny tolerence is excessive
motor or trans mounts are sloppy
transfer case output shaft (internally) needs to be shimmed out to reduce end play
I always look underneath with someone else rocking back and forth between F & R to help locate the drivetrain slop.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,760
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From: Gadsden Purchase
I was told the '91 F150 2wd I inherited has done that since my stepsister's
husband drove it. It's now got 72k on it.
I've checked it out pretty close and my neightbor is an ace automatic
transmission mechanic, ran his own shop and his son now runs it.
He flat out told me it wasn't the transmission it was the 8.8 rear axle.
Sure enough, I checked it out close and that's where all my play is at.
BTW, he sez the E4OD is a good one. ;)
AOD? ...he just shook his head and made a sour face. LOL :)
Me? All automatics suck IMO. :)
Alvin in AZ
husband drove it. It's now got 72k on it.
I've checked it out pretty close and my neightbor is an ace automatic
transmission mechanic, ran his own shop and his son now runs it.
He flat out told me it wasn't the transmission it was the 8.8 rear axle.
Sure enough, I checked it out close and that's where all my play is at.
BTW, he sez the E4OD is a good one. ;)
AOD? ...he just shook his head and made a sour face. LOL :)
Me? All automatics suck IMO. :)
Alvin in AZ
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